adages

Adages are short, traditional sayings that express a general truth or practical wisdom drawn from collective experience. They are typically concise, metaphorical, and easy to remember, and they are passed down through generations, often becoming part of a culture’s common language.

Adages overlap with related forms such as proverbs and aphorisms. A proverb is a traditional saying that conveys wisdom or advice, while an aphorism is a concise, pointed statement expressing a general truth or observation, often attributed to a particular author. In practice, many phrases are labeled as adages in everyday use, even when their status as a proverb or aphorism is debatable.

Origins of adages lie in oral folklore and classical literature, with many centuries of history. They are typically anonymous or have uncertain attribution, which contributes to their durability. Adages endure because they summarize experience in memorable lines, making them useful in speech, writing, and rhetoric.

Common examples of adages include statements such as “A stitch in time saves nine,” “Look before you leap,” and “Actions speak louder than words.” They serve to illustrate points, persuade, or encapsulate widely held wisdom in a compact form, helping to convey complex ideas succinctly.