noun
Very common
saying
SAY-ihng
Saying (noun) means a well-known short phrase that expresses a piece of wisdom or common belief; a proverb. Example: “My grandfather had a saying for every situation.”
noun
1
A well-known short phrase that expresses a piece of wisdom or common belief; a proverb.
"My grandfather had a saying for every situation."
""Actions speak louder than words" is an old saying."
"There's an old saying that too many cooks spoil the broth."
How to use saying
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short, often-repeated expression of common wisdom, like a proverb.
Common pairings
as the saying goes
an old saying
a wise saying
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Word forms
- Plural
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My grandfather had a _____ for every situation.
Etymology
Formed from the verb "say" plus the "-ing" ending, turning it into a noun for something spoken.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for saying
See all rhymes for saying →Frequently asked questions
What does “saying” mean?
The word “saying” means a well-known short phrase that expresses a piece of wisdom or common belief; a proverb. In plain terms, a short, often-repeated expression of common wisdom, like a proverb.
How do you pronounce “saying”?
“Saying” is pronounced SAY-ihng (/ˈseɪ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “saying” in a sentence?
Here is “saying” used in a sentence: “My grandfather had a saying for every situation.”
What is another word for “saying”?
Words with a similar meaning to “saying” include maxim, proverb, saw, expression, byword and adage.
What part of speech is “saying”?
“Saying” is a noun.
Is “saying” a common word?
“Saying” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a saying and a proverb?
The words overlap and are often used interchangeably. A proverb is a specific kind of saying, a traditional short sentence offering advice or a general truth, like 'look before you leap.' 'Saying' is the broader term, covering proverbs along with other well-known phrases that capture common wisdom or belief.
What is the difference between a saying and an idiom?
A saying expresses a piece of wisdom or truth and usually makes sense on its own, such as 'honesty is the best policy.' An idiom is a phrase whose meaning is not literal, like 'kick the bucket' for 'die.' Idioms rely on figurative meaning; sayings rely on shared wisdom.
What is an example of a saying?
Common English sayings include 'actions speak louder than words,' 'the early bird catches the worm,' and 'better late than never.' Each packs a familiar piece of advice or observation into a short, memorable phrase that people quote to sum up a situation quickly.
What are the types of sayings?
Sayings come in several related forms. Proverbs give traditional advice; adages are long-established truths; maxims state rules of conduct; and aphorisms are witty, pointed observations, often from a known author. All are short, memorable phrases, and in everyday use the labels are frequently blurred.
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