adage

[ ad-ij ]

noun

1. a traditional saying expressing a common experience or observation; proverb.

adage

/ ˈædɪdʒ /

noun

1. a traditional saying that is accepted by many as true or partially true; proverb

Other Word Forms

• a·da·gi·al [uh, -, dey, -jee-, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of adage¹

1540–50; < French < Latin adagium, equivalent to ad- ad- + ag- (stem of āio I say) + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of adage¹

C16: via Old French from Latin adagium; related to āio I say

Example Sentences

“It’s kind of like the … ‘you don’t know what you have until it’s gone’ adage,” said Norah Eddy, associate director of the Nature Conservancy’s oceans program in California.

From Los Angeles Times

The old political adage that “where you stand depends upon where you sit” has been getting aired out in Washington.

From Los Angeles Times

Well at least it gives credence to the old adage, “ Clichéd minds think alike.”

From Los Angeles Times

Throughout all this, Palestinians who have survived in Gaza until now have lived out the adage that necessity is the mother of invention.

From Salon

"There's an old Wall Street adage of finding the signal in the noise, but never has it been more important than right now," said Malek.

From Salon

Related Words

• aphorism
• axiom
• dictum
• maxim
• motto
• precept