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adage

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noun ad·age \ ˈa-dij \

Definition of adage

:a saying often in metaphorical form that typically embodies a common observation
  • She reminded him of the adage: "A penny saved is a penny earned."

See adage defined for English-language learners

See adage defined for kids

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Examples of adage in a Sentence

  1. that old adage, “the early bird gets the worm”

Recent Examples of adage from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'adage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of adage

Middle French, from Latin adagium, from ad- + -agium (akin to aio I say); akin to Greek ē he said

adage Synonyms

Synonyms
saying, aphorism, apothegm, byword, epigram, maxim, proverb, saw, sententia, word
Related Words
bromide, cliché (also cliche), commonplace, platitude, wheeze; expression, felicity; axiom, motto, precept, truism, truth; formula; comment, note, reflection, remark

ADAGE Defined for English Language Learners

adage

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noun

Definition of adage for English Language Learners

  • : an old and well-known saying that expresses a general truth

ADAGE Defined for Kids

adage

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noun ad·age \ ˈa-dij \

Definition of adage for Students

:an old familiar saying :proverb

Learn More about adage

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for adage Spanish Central: Translation of adage Nglish: Translation of adage for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about adage

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  1. dotage, dotard a state or period of senile decay

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Examples: adage in a Sentence