proverb
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1prov·erb
noun \ˈprä-ˌvərb\Definition of PROVERB
1
: a brief popular epigram or maxim : adage
2
: byword 4
See Examples of PROVERB
- <her grandfather has a proverb for every occasion>
Origin of PROVERB
Middle English proverbe, from Anglo-French, from Latin proverbium, from pro- + verbum word — more at word
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to PROVERB
2proverb
transitive verbDefinition of PROVERB
1
: to speak of proverbially
2
obsolete : to provide with a proverb
First Known Use of PROVERB
14th century
proverb
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Succinct and pithy saying that is in general use and expresses commonly held ideas and beliefs. Proverbs are part of every spoken language and folk literature, originating in oral tradition. Often a proverb is found with variations in many different parts of the world. Literate societies dating to the ancient Egyptians have collected proverbs. One of the earliest English proverb collections, The Proverbs of Alfred, dates from c. 1150–80. In North America the best-known collection is probably Poor Richard's, an almanac published 1732–57 by Benjamin Franklin.
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