WordGarden.ioadage
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈædɪdʒ/
US
- /ˈædədʒ/
Meanings
Noun
a short traditional saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice
Beyond the definition
An adage is a short, memorable statement expressing a general truth or piece of wisdom, often based on common sense or experience. Think of it as a little nugget of knowledge passed down through generations. You might hear an adage like "Look before you leap"—a warning to consider the consequences before acting. Adages aren't strict rules, but rather observations about life that people generally agree with. They're often found in folklore and literature, adding depth and resonance to stories.
Imagine your grandmother sharing advice: she might use adages like "A stitch in time saves nine" or "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." These aren't just random phrases; they represent years of accumulated wisdom!
An adage is a traditional saying that expresses a common observation or belief, often offering practical advice. It is very similar to a proverb—in fact, the terms are often used interchangeably. However, an adage often carries the weight of age and familiarity; it's a saying people repeat because it has been around for a long time. Think of them as the distilled wisdom of generations, passed down through spoken word and writing.
You'll find adages sprinkled throughout literature, speeches, and everyday conversation. They add a touch of authority and familiarity to what you're saying. For example, "Where there's smoke, there's fire" is an adage suggesting that rumors often have some basis in truth. Or consider "Actions speak louder than words," which emphasizes the importance of deeds over promises.
The context of usage is often illustrative—adages are quoted to emphasize a point, offer advice, or share a well-known truth. They can show up in casual conversation, speeches, and even essays, but they work best as a familiar reminder rather than as proof. You might say, "As the old adage goes, 'practice makes perfect,' so we need to keep working at it."
So, an adage isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a little piece of cultural wisdom—a time-tested observation about how the world works, delivered in a memorable and easily shared form.
Examples
- 1
Old saying
There’s an old adage that time heals most wounds.
- 2
Family advice
My grandmother often repeated the adage, “Waste not, want not.”
- 3
Success advice
The article challenges several adages about success and hard work.
- 4
Personal rule
He has always lived by the adage “Honesty is the best policy.”
- Patternlive by + adage/rule/principle
follow it as a rule in your life
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- adagenoun
Forms
- adagespluralnoun