帮助中心

proverb

[ˈprɒv.ɜːb]

proverb Definition

a short, well-known saying that expresses a common truth or belief.

Using proverb: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "proverb" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    A stitch in time saves nine is a proverb.

  • Example

    The proverb 'the early bird catches the worm' means that success comes to those who prepare well and put in effort.

  • Example

    The proverb 'actions speak louder than words' means that what people do is more important than what they say.

proverb Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for proverb

Phrases with proverb

  • widely known and spoken of, often to the point of being cliché

    Example

    He's the proverbial 'jack of all trades, master of none'.

  • the collective knowledge and insight expressed through proverbs

    Example

    Proverbial wisdom teaches us to 'look before you leap'.

  • a phrase that has become a proverb due to its frequent use and widespread recognition

    Example

    The proverbial phrase 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do' means that when you are in a foreign country or culture, you should follow the customs and practices of that place.

Origins of proverb

from Old French 'proverbe', from Latin 'proverbium', from 'pro-' ('for') + 'verbum' ('word')

📌

Summary: proverb in Brief

A 'proverb' [ˈprɒv.ɜːb] is a concise and widely recognized saying that expresses a common truth or belief. Examples include 'A stitch in time saves nine' and 'actions speak louder than words.' The term 'proverbial' refers to things that are widely known and spoken of, while 'proverbial wisdom' denotes the collective knowledge and insight expressed through proverbs.

How do native speakers use this expression?