Proverb
['prɒvɜːb] or ['prɑvɝb]
Definition
(noun.) a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people.
Checker: Tom--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) 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.
(n.) A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable.
(n.) A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference.
(n.) A drama exemplifying a proverb.
(v. t.) To name in, or as, a proverb.
(v. t.) To provide with a proverb.
(v. i.) To write or utter proverbs.
Editor: Philip
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Adage, maxim, saying, dictum, saw, aphorism, apothegm, by-word.
Inputed by Bennett
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Maxim, apothegm, adage, saw, dictum, by_word
ANT:Essay, dissertation, disquisition, oration, diatribe, yarn
Checked by Leda
Definition
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.
Typist: Miguel
Examples
- IF YOU WOULD FORGIVE YOUR ENEMY, says the Malay proverb, FIRST INFLICT A HURT ON HIM; and Lily was experiencing the truth of the apothegm. Edith Wharton. The House of Mirth.
- Ah, that proverb is quite worn out, replied the Rector cheerily; try another, my boy, try another. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- In the words of the proverb, I was resolved not to let the grass grow under my feet. Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White.
- But though it be true to a proverb that lazy folks take the most pains, does it follow that they deserve the most money? Benjamin Franklin. Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin.
- True says the proverb, said Wamba, interposing his word, but with some abatement of his usual petulance,-- 'When the cat is away, The mice will play. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- The Gatling soon made its way widely, and its rapidity of fire became a proverb. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- Nay, rather, Socrates, the proverb holds that hard is the good. Plato. The Republic.
- You know the proverb, sir, was all I said to him. Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone.
- If the rod be bent too much one way, says the proverb, in order to make it straight, you must bend it as much the other. Adam Smith. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
- We have an English proverb that says, He that would thrive Must ask his wife. Benjamin Franklin. Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin.
- The proverb says, The unknown is always great. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
- Jack-of-all-trades will never be rich, says the proverb. Adam Smith. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
- The proverb says, “You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- It is better, says the proverb, to play for nothing, than to work for nothing. Adam Smith. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
- And I tell you again, darling, that Mrs General, if I may reverse a common proverb and adapt it to her, is a cat in gloves who _will_ catch mice. Charles Dickens. Little Dorrit.
- Solomon's Proverbs, I think, have omitted to say, that as the sore palate findeth grit, so an uneasy consciousness heareth innuendoes. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- I kept myself up with proverbs as long as I could; Pride must abide,--and such wholesome pieces of pith; but it was of no use. Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell. North and South.
- Another from the Proverbs of Solomon, speaking of wisdom or virtue: Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honour. Benjamin Franklin. Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin.
Inputed by Bertha