Adage Meaning in English
word
ˈædədʒ/, /ˈædɪdʒ
AD-ij
ˈædɪdʒ
AD-ij
Definition
A short, traditional saying that expresses a general truth or piece of wisdom, especially one that has been passed down for many years.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and literary; often found in written texts or speeches. Commonly used with phrases like 'the old adage' or 'there is an adage that...'. Similar to 'proverb', but 'adage' can sound slightly more old-fashioned.
Spanish: refrán - adagioPortuguese (BR): provérbio - adágioPortuguese (PT): provérbio - adágioChinese (Simplified): 谚语 - 格言Chinese (Traditional): 諺語 - 格言Hindi: कहावत - सूक्तिArabic: مثل - قول مأثورBengali: বাক্যপ্রবাদ - প্রবচনRussian: пословица - поговоркаJapanese: 格言 - 金言Vietnamese: tục ngữ - châm ngônKorean: 격언 - 금언Turkish: özdeyiş - atasözüUrdu: قولِ معقول - ضرب المثلIndonesian: peribahasa - pepatah
Example Sentences
The adage 'actions speak louder than words' is well known.
basic
He quoted an old adage during his speech.
basic
Many people believe the adage that 'practice makes perfect'.
basic
There's an adage that says, 'better late than never.'
natural
Old adages often contain lessons we ignore at our own risk.
natural
Whenever I'm stuck, my grandmother reminds me of an adage.
natural