Adage
noun /ˈæd.ɪdʒ/ — A short, wise saying that has gained wide acceptance.
Definition
A brief saying or observation that has gained widespread acceptance as a general truth through long use. Distinguished from proverb by being slightly more formal and literary.
Beyond the definition
An adage is a proverb that has been absorbed into common life — no longer attributed, no longer noticed as a saying, just a truth that people repeat because it is more accurate than any alternative.
Origin & history
From Latin 'adagium' (proverb, saying); possibly from 'ad-' (to) + 'aio' (I say). Something said toward you — a piece of speech offered as useful.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
'Actions speak louder than words' is the adage that survives every cynical era, because every era needs it.
The adage 'don't judge a book by its cover' is itself a book cover problem — it is heard so often it no longer does its work.
She collected adages the way others collected recipes — things useful to have when the moment required them.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Adage” when the meaning fits your context: A brief saying or observation that has gained widespread acceptance as a general truth through long use. Distinguished from proverb by being slightly more formal and literary.
Synonyms
Related words
Adage vs proverb
These are often used interchangeably, but a proverb usually offers moral advice or a truth. An adage is a traditional observation often accepted as a fact.
Compare this word
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Methodical Pursuit of Truth
An adult arranges complex wooden pieces into a clear, ordered, step-by-step structure.
The methodical arrangement represents the pursuit of a generally accepted truth. An adage, being more formal and literary than a proverb, functions like this structured, ordered pursuit, condensing wisdom into a lasting and recognized form.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Adage" mean?
Adage is noun meaning: A short, wise saying that has gained wide acceptance.. A brief saying or observation that has gained widespread acceptance as a general truth through long use. Distinguished from proverb by being slightly more formal and literary.
Where does the word "Adage" come from?
From Latin 'adagium' (proverb, saying); possibly from 'ad-' (to) + 'aio' (I say). Something said toward you — a piece of speech offered as useful.