Definition

Noun: A short, memorable, and often traditional saying that expresses a general truth or piece of wisdom based on common experience or observation. It is a concise statement that is widely accepted as true.

Usage

An adage is used to convey a piece of conventional wisdom succinctly and authoritatively. It is typically a fixed, well-known phrase passed down through generations.

Examples

• "The old adage 'haste makes waste' reminds us to work carefully."
• "She quoted the adage 'actions speak louder than words' to emphasize her point."
• "There's a lot of truth in the adage 'you can't judge a book by its cover.'"

Advanced Usage

• "As the adage goes...": A common phrase used to introduce a well-known saying.
  • As the adage goes, "better late than never."
• "To prove/disprove an old adage": Used when experience either supports or contradicts a traditional piece of wisdom.
  • His careful planning proved the adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Variants and Related Words

• Proverb: A simple, concrete saying that expresses a truth based on common sense or experience. It is often metaphorical. (e.g., "Don't count your chickens before they hatch.") This is a very close synonym to .
• Maxim: A concise rule of conduct or a general principle. (e.g., "Know thyself.")
• Aphorism: A terse, witty, instructive statement. (e.g., "The unexamined life is not worth living.")
• Saw: An old, homely saying that is well-worn by frequent use. (e.g., "A stitch in time saves nine.")

Synonyms

• Proverb
• Saying
• Byword
• Saw
• Aphorism

Related Idioms

• "An old adage": This is the most common collocation, emphasizing the traditional and time-tested nature of the saying.
  • It's just an old adage, but it contains a lot of wisdom.

Noun

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