YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

adage

Noun

IPA /ˈædɪdʒ/

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Meaning in plain English

A familiar saying that expresses a general observation about life.

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Pronunciation

adage/ˈædɪdʒ/

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A familiar saying is passed on
It expresses a general lesson about life

An adage is a familiar saying, not a guarantee that its advice always works.

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My grandmother often repeated the adage that practice makes perfect.
The tutor used an old adage to introduce the discussion.

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My grandmother often repeated the ________ that practice makes perfect.

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adage — A familiar saying that expresses a general observation about life.

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A familiar saying that expresses a general observation about life.

Compare: My grandmother often repeated the adage that practice makes perfect.

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Word origin

From Latin adagium, meaning a saying, through French.

Did you know?

Old adage and familiar adage are useful combinations.

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