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The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

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 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

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proverb

IPA:

How to pronounce proverb (audio)

Dictionary definition of proverb

A short, well-known saying or phrase that imparts wisdom, truth, or advice based on cultural or traditional beliefs.
"The proverb "The early bird catches the worm" inspired him to wake up early and seize opportunities."

Detailed meaning of proverb

Proverbs are concise expressions that encapsulate common knowledge or shared experiences in a memorable and concise manner. They often convey moral, social, or practical lessons that have been passed down through generations. Proverbs can be found in various cultures and languages, reflecting the values, customs, and insights of a particular community. These sayings are typically concise, rhythmic, and easily memorable, making them effective in conveying important messages or life lessons. Proverbs often draw upon vivid imagery, metaphors, or allegories to convey their meaning. They serve as a source of guidance, inspiration, and reflection, offering insights into human nature, relationships, virtues, and the complexities of life. Proverbs play a vital role in oral tradition, storytelling, and the transmission of cultural wisdom from one generation to another.

Example sentences containing proverb

1. The wise elder shared a proverb about patience and its rewards.
2. "A stitch in time saves nine" is a popular proverb emphasizing the importance of timely action.
3. Proverbs often provide valuable lessons in a concise and memorable format.
4. She reflected on the proverb "Actions speak louder than words" and decided to demonstrate her commitment through actions.
5. The proverb "Where there's smoke, there's fire" implies that rumors often have some truth to them.
6. The proverb "Don't count your chickens before they hatch" warned against premature celebration.

History and etymology of proverb

The noun 'proverb' has its origins in the Latin word 'proverbium,' which combines 'pro,' meaning 'in favor of' or 'for the sake of,' and 'verbum,' meaning 'word' or 'saying.' This etymology illustrates the essence of a proverb as a saying or phrase that is in favor of imparting wisdom, truth, or advice through words. Proverbs are often deeply rooted in cultural or traditional beliefs and serve as concise and memorable expressions of collective wisdom. By examining the word's Latin roots, one can appreciate how proverbs have been valued throughout history as linguistic tools for conveying age-old truths and insights from one generation to the next.

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Further usage examples of proverb

1. Proverbs offer timeless wisdom and insights into human behavior and relationships.
2. She turned to a familiar proverb, "Honesty is the best policy," to guide her decision-making.
3. The proverb "You reap what you sow" reminded him of the importance of personal responsibility.
4. The proverb "Too many cooks spoil the broth" cautioned against involving too many people in a task.
5. Proverbs often reflect the values, beliefs, and cultural norms of a society.
6. "Actions speak louder than words" is a powerful proverb about behavior's impact.
7. The ancient proverb "A rolling stone gathers no moss" stresses movement.
8. "Where there's smoke, there's fire" is a cautionary proverb.
9. The proverb "Haste makes waste" warns against rushing.
10. "The early bird catches the worm" encourages early action.
11. "Too many cooks spoil the broth" highlights teamwork pitfalls.
12. The proverb "Don't count your chickens before they hatch" cautions optimism.
13. "Every cloud has a silver lining" teaches positivity in adversity.
14. The proverb "You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs" promotes change.
15. "A penny saved is a penny earned" underscores thriftiness.
16. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket" advises diversification.
17. The proverb "All that glitters is not gold" warns of appearances.
18. "A watched pot never boils" teaches patience.
19. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" reflects subjective perception.
20. "Too much of a good thing can be bad" cautions moderation.
21. The proverb "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" encourages advocacy.
22. "Don't bite the hand that feeds you" advocates gratitude.
23. "A stitch in time saves nine" underscores preventive action.
24. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" promotes adaptability.
25. The proverb "Better late than never" emphasizes timeliness.

GRE 5 (Graduate Record Examination), Creativity and Originality, Discovery and Exploration, Variety and Diversity, Wisdom and Understanding, Knowledge and Wisdom

adage,aphorism,axiom,byword,dictum,expression,maxim,motto,phrase,precept,saying

saw

adage, fabrication, falsehood, lie

eb68db_0b4bbdbcc9e64ab6bc865b22682a3e1f.mp3

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