Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Proverb
Prov′erb
,Noun.
1.
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.
Chaucer. Bacon.
2.
A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable.
His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no
proverb
. John xvi. 29.
3.
A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference.
Thou shalt become an astonishment, a
proverb
, and a by word, among all nations. Deut. xxviii. 37.
4.
A drama exemplifying a proverb.
Book of Proverbs
, a canonical book of the Old Testament, containing a great variety of wise maxims.
Syn. – Maxim; aphorism; apothegm; adage; saw.
Prov′erb
,Verb.
T.
1.
To name in, or as, a proverb.
[R.]
Am I not sung and
proverbed
for a fool ? Milton.
2.
To provide with a proverb.
[R.]
I am
proverbed
with a grandsire phrase. Shakespeare
Prov′erb
,Verb.
I.
To write or utter proverbs.
[R.]
Webster 1828 Edition
Proverb
PROV'ERB
,Noun.
1.
A short sentence often repeated, expressing a well known truth or common fact, ascertained by experience or observation; a maxim of wisdom. The proverb is true, that light gains make heavy purses, for light gains come often, great gains now and then.
2.
A by-word; a name often repeated; and hence frequently, a reproach or object of contempt. Jer.24.3.
In Scripture, it sometimes signifies a moral sentence or maxim that is enigmatical; a dark saying of the wise that requires interpretation. Prov.1.4.
Proverbs, a canonical book of the Old Testament, containing a great variety of wise maxims, rich in practical truths and excellent rules for the conduct of all classes of men.PROV'ERB
,Verb.
T.
1.
To provide with a proverb. [Not in use.]Definition 2025
proverb
proverb
See also: Proverbs
English
Noun
proverb (plural proverbs)
- A phrase expressing a basic truth which may be applied to common situations.
- A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable.
- Bible, John xvi. 29
- His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
- Bible, John xvi. 29
- A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference.
- Bible, Deuteronomy xxviii. 37
- Thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a by word, among all nations.
- Bible, Deuteronomy xxviii. 37
- A drama exemplifying a proverb.
Synonyms
- (phrase expressing a basic truth): adage, apothegm, byword, maxim, paroemia, saw, saying, sententia
- See also Wikisaurus:saying
Derived terms
Terms derived from "proverb"
Translations
phrase expressing a basic truth
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Verb
proverb (third-person singular simple present proverbs, present participle proverbing, simple past and past participle proverbed)
- To write or utter proverbs.
- To name in, or as, a proverb.
- 1671, John Milton, Samson Agonistes, lines 203-205:
- Am I not sung and proverbed for a fool / In every street, do they not say, "How well / Are come upon him his deserts?"
- 1671, John Milton, Samson Agonistes, lines 203-205:
- To provide with a proverb.
- Shakespeare
- I am proverbed with a grandsire phrase.
- Shakespeare
See also
- Category:English proverbs