proverb
Definitions
A short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of wisdom.
谚语，格言（表达普遍真理或智慧的短句）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedpro- (forth, before the public) + verb (word) = 'a word put forth.' A proverb is a saying tossed out into common circulation until everyone repeats it. The pro- here means 'out in front of people' — the same public-facing pro- as in proclaim.
Root verb still carries 7 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.old proverb古老的谚语
- 2.ancient proverb古谚
- 3.as the proverb goes俗话说
- 4.quote a proverb引用谚语
- 5.Chinese proverb中国谚语
Example Sentences
- 1.
As the old proverb goes, 'Actions speak louder than words.'
- 2.
Every culture has proverbs that pass down practical wisdom.
- 3.
He quoted a Chinese proverb to make his point.
Synonym Comparison
- proverb — a fixed, traditional saying of folk wisdom: 'Look before you leap.'
- saying — the broadest, loosest term for any well-known phrase
- idiom — a phrase whose meaning isn't literal: 'kick the bucket'
- maxim — a rule of conduct, more formal and prescriptive
- adage — a long-established proverb, stresses age and acceptance