rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: verbum
Latin

verbum

word

Forms

  • verbum
  • verb- — Used before other endings.

Origin

An ancient Indo-European word, related to English word.

Note

Its use for a particular class of words is a specialization of the broader meaning.

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A compact visual anthology of three familiar sayings: the proverbial needle in a haystack, all the eggs in one basket, and spilled milk.
adjective

proverbial

pruh-VER-bee-ul/prəˈvɜːrbiəl/

Belonging to or resembling a familiar traditional saying.

Etymology
proLatinbefore, forward; on behalf of
+verbLatinword
+ialLatinconnected with

A proverb is literally “words put forward,” understood as a common saying. Something proverbial is mentioned in, or resembles something in, such a saying and is therefore familiar or widely recognized.

Full entry

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