Adage | Meaning, Definition & Examples
An adage is a short memorable saying that many people believe is true. Adages typically express a common experience or observation, such as “Never judge a book by its cover.” These sayings are passed down through generations and are accepted as conventional wisdom. People often prefer to use an adage to avoid directly criticizing or confronting others.
They broke up soon after they moved to different cities—it’s true what they say, “Out of sight, out of mind.”
If you are thinking of applying for that job, do it now. “Strike while the iron is hot,” as they say.
Don’t worry, you’ll get chosen for the team. Every dog has its day.
Adage definition
An adage is a traditional saying that people use in particular situations. You may, for instance, remember your parents or grandparents using phrases like “A stitch in nine saves time” or “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” to convince you to act promptly or to eat more apples as a kid.
The term “adage” originates from Latin “adagium” meaning “saying.” An adage has obtained credit by long use, therefore some sources maintain that “old adage” is pleonastic; the word itself implies age. However, this phrase is often used for emphasis or to evoke a particular tone, so it is not incorrect. Overused adages such as “better late than never” can be considered clichés but this is a matter of taste.
Adage synonym
There are a few words that, just like “adage,” refer to an often-stated observation regarding some aspect of human experience. The term “proverb” is the closest synonym, while “maxim,” “aphorism,” “old saw,” “apothegm,” and “truism” each have slightly different meanings.
| Synonym | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Proverb | A short traditional statement expressing conventional wisdom | The proverb “Too many cooks spoil the broth” reminds us that if too many people are trying to do the same thing, it won’t be done well. |
| Maxim | A brief statement of a general truth, principle, or rule for behavior | The restaurant owners never changed their menu in thirty years; they lived by the maxim “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” |
| Aphorism | A concise, witty statement, often attributed to a writer or philosopher, expressing a truth about life | Nietzsche’s aphorism, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger,” has become widely quoted. |
| (Old) saw | An oft-repeated saying that has become clichéd | The old saw “Haste makes waste” is overused, but still holds true. |
| Apothegm | A short clever saying that is intended to express a general truth | Benjamin Franklin’s apothegm “Well done is better than well said” reminds us of the importance of actions over words. |
| Truism | A statement that is so obviously true that it hardly needs to be said | I don’t enjoy reading self-help books. They are full of truisms like “Patience is a virtue.” |
Adage examples
Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac is famous for its witty adages, many of which remain popular today.
Hunger never saw bad bread. [When you are hungry, you will eat anything]
Lost time is never found again. [You should not waste time because it is irretrievable]
The doors of wisdom are never shut. [Opportunities for gaining knowledge are always available]
Wish not so much to live long as to live well. [Quality of life is more important than quantity]
Adages are closely related to the language and culture from which they originate and can offer us insight into a culture’s values.
Frequently asked questions about adages
- What is the difference between a proverb and an adage?
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The words proverb and adage are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two.
A proverb is a short traditional saying that expresses a universal truth and is known by many people. Proverbs typically give practical advice about how to live and behave. For example, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
An adage, on the other hand, also expresses accepted wisdom about the people or the world, but it is not always in the form of advice. For example, “Love is blind.”
However, in common usage, the distinction between the two is not always clear.
- What is the difference between an aphorism and an adage?
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The words aphorism and adage are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between them:
An aphorism is a thought-provoking statement that encapsulates complex truths in a brief, memorable form. It is often attributed to a specific individual (e.g., “To thine own self be true” from Hamlet).
An adage, on the other hand, is a traditional and well-known saying that expresses a general truth (e.g., “Better late than never”).
In short, an aphorism is intended to make us think, while an adage expresses common sense. However, in everyday usage, the distinction between the two is not always clear.
- How to pronounce adage?
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There are two syllables in adage. The first syllable sounds like “ad,” rhyming with “mad.”
The second syllable is pronounced like “ij,” similar to the “idge” in “fridge.”
So, it sounds like “ad-ij” with the emphasis on the first syllable.
- What is the difference between an idiom and an adage?
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Idioms and adages are fixed expressions that are commonly recognized and used within a language, however the two should not be confused.
An idiom is an established phrase with a meaning different from that of its individual words. For instance, “give it a shot” means to try rather than literally to shoot something, and “slipped my mind” means to forget. Idioms are a form of figurative language often used to add color to communication.
Adages, on the other hand, are well-known sayings that have been used for a long time. They typically offer practical advice about ways to behave and live. Although they are usually literal, adages can also be metaphorical with a meaning that is easy to understand. For example, the phrase “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” metaphorically advises against relying on a single plan or option.
In short, idioms are nonliteral expressions used in a variety of contexts, while adages are traditional sayings that convey practical wisdom.
