Definitions for proverb
ˈprɒv ərbproverb

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:5.0 / 1 vote

1. proverb, adage, saw, bywordnoun

   a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people

WiktionaryRate this definition:4.0 / 1 vote

1. proverbnoun

   A phrase expressing a basic truth which may be applied to common situations.

Samuel Johnson's DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. PROVERBnoun

   Etymology: proverbe, Fr. proverbium, Lat.

   1. A short sentence frequently repeated by the people; a saw; an adage.

   The sum of his whole book of proverbs is an exhortation to the study of this practick wisdom. Decay of Piety.

   It is in praise and commendation of men, as it is in gettings and gains; for the proverb is true, that light gains make heavy purses; for light gains come thick, whereas great come but now and then. Francis Bacon, Essays.

   The Italian proverb says of the Genoese, that they have a sea without fish, land without trees, and men without faith. Addison.

   2. A word, name or observation commonly received or uttered.

   Thou hast delivered us for a spoil, and a proverb of reproach. Tob. iii. 4.

2. To Proverbverb

   Not a good word.

   Etymology: from the noun.

   1. To mention in a proverb.

   Am I not sung and proverb’d for a fool
   In ev’ry street; do they not say, how well
   Are come upon him his deserts? John Milton, Agonistes.

   2. To provide with a proverb.

   Let wantons, light of heart,
   Tickle the senseless rushes with their heels:
   For I am proverb’d with a grandsire phrase;
   I’ll be a candle-holder and look on. William Shakespeare.

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Proverb

   A proverb (from Latin: proverbium) is a simple and insightful, traditional saying that expresses a perceived truth based on common sense or experience. Proverbs are often metaphorical and use formulaic language. A proverbial phrase or a proverbial expression is a type of a conventional saying similar to proverbs and transmitted by oral tradition. The difference is that a proverb is a fixed expression, while a proverbial phrase permits alterations to fit the grammar of the context. Collectively, they form a genre of folklore. Some proverbs exist in more than one language because people borrow them from languages and cultures with which they are in contact. In the West, the Bible (including, but not limited to the Book of Proverbs) and medieval Latin (aided by the work of Erasmus) have played a considerable role in distributing proverbs. Not all Biblical proverbs, however, were distributed to the same extent: one scholar has gathered evidence to show that cultures in which the Bible is the major spiritual book contain "between three hundred and five hundred proverbs that stem from the Bible," whereas another shows that, of the 106 most common and widespread proverbs across Europe, 11 are from the Bible. However, almost every culture has its own unique proverbs.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. proverb

   A proverb is a short popular saying or phrase that offers advice, expresses a generally accepted truth, or presents a common observation about life. It usually conveys an important fact or principle based on common sense or practical experience.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:3.5 / 2 votes

1. Proverbnoun

   an old and common saying; a phrase which is often repeated; especially, a sentence which briefly and forcibly expresses some practical truth, or the result of experience and observation; a maxim; a saw; an adage

2. Proverbnoun

   a striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable

3. Proverbnoun

   a familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference

4. Proverbnoun

   a drama exemplifying a proverb

5. Proverbverb

   to name in, or as, a proverb

6. Proverbverb

   to provide with a proverb

7. Proverbverb

   to write or utter proverbs

WikidataRate this definition:3.8 / 5 votes

1. Proverb

   A proverb is a simple and concrete saying, popularly known and repeated, that expresses a truth based on common sense or the practical experience of humanity. They are often metaphorical. A proverb that describes a basic rule of conduct may also be known as a maxim. Proverbs are often borrowed from similar languages and cultures, and sometimes come down to the present through more than one language. Both the Bible and medieval Latin have played a considerable role in distributing proverbs across Europe, although almost every culture has examples of its own.

Chambers 20th Century DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Proverb

   prov′ėrb, n. a short familiar sentence expressing a well-known truth or moral lesson: a byword: (B.) a difficult saying that requires explanation: (pl.) a book of the Old Testament: a dramatic composition in which a proverb gives name and character to the plot.—v.t. to speak of proverbially: make a byword of: to provide with a proverb.—adj. Prover′bial, like or pertaining to proverbs: widely spoken of.—v.t. Prover′bialise, to turn into a proverb.—ns. Prover′bialism, a saying in the form of, or like, a proverb; Prover′bialist.—adv. Prover′bially. [Fr. proverbe—L. proverbium—pro, publicly, verbum, a word.]

Suggested ResourcesRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. proverb

   Quotes by proverb -- Explore a large variety of famous quotes made by proverb on the Quotes.net website.

How to pronounce proverb?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say proverb in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of proverb in Chaldean Numerology is: 5

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of proverb in Pythagorean Numerology is: 6

Examples of proverb in a Sentence

1. Chinese Proverb:

   Fall down seven times, get up eight. Japanese Proverb

2. Psalms 11996:

   I have seen an end of all perfection but thy commandment is exceeding broad.N. B. This is the origin of the proverb, All good things must come to an end.

3. Miguel Cervantes:

   I do not say a proverb is amiss when aptly and reasonably applied, but to be forever discharging them, right or wrong, hit or miss, renders conversation insipid and vulgar.

4. Proverb:

   Fools repeat the proverb

5. Cicero:

   As the old proverb says "Like readily consorts with like."

Popularity rank by frequency of use

References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=proverb
2. ^ Wiktionary
   https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Proverb
3. ^ Samuel Johnson's Dictionary
   https://johnsonsdictionaryonline.com/views/search.php?term=proverb
4. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proverb
5. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com
6. ^ Webster Dictionary
   https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proverb
7. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=proverb
8. ^ Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
   https://www.gutenberg.org/files/37683/37683-h/37683-h.htm#:~:text=proverb