proverb
PRO-vurb
Proverb (noun) means a short, well-known saying that expresses a piece of common wisdom or advice. Example: “A stitch in time saves nine" is an old English proverb.”
noun
1
A short, well-known saying that expresses a piece of common wisdom or advice.
""A stitch in time saves nine" is an old English proverb."
"Every culture has its own proverbs about patience."
How to use proverb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short traditional saying that gives advice or states a general truth, like "look before you leap."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
an old proverb
as the proverb goes
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Word forms
- Plural
- proverbs
- Third person singular
- proverbs
- Past tense
- proverbed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"A stitch in time saves nine" is an old English _____.
Etymology
From Old French proverbe, from Latin proverbium.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “proverb” mean?
The word “proverb” means a short, well-known saying that expresses a piece of common wisdom or advice. In plain terms, a short traditional saying that gives advice or states a general truth, like "look before you leap.".
How do you pronounce “proverb”?
“Proverb” is pronounced PRO-vurb (/ˈpɹɑˌvɝb/ in IPA).
How do you use “proverb” in a sentence?
Here is “proverb” used in a sentence: “"A stitch in time saves nine" is an old English proverb.”
What part of speech is “proverb”?
“Proverb” is a noun.
Where does the word “proverb” come from?
The word “proverb” comes from Latin. From Old French proverbe, from Latin proverbium.
Is “proverb” a common word?
“Proverb” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
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