noun
adage
AD-ij/ˈædɪdʒ/
A traditional saying expressing a general truth.
The old sampler displays the adage “Haste makes waste.”
Etymology
Latin adagium already meant a proverb, so the familiar saying—not a separate literal image—is the inherited meaning. Its deeper origin is disputed.
In context
as that old adage the expert is always out of town
More examples
- The familiar adage warns against judging by appearances.
- She questions whether that old adage still holds true.
- Traditional adages often compress practical advice into a few words.
Forms
adage · adages