Adage — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈa-dij/ ad·age

Meaning & Definition of Adage

Adage (noun)

  1. a saying often in metaphorical form that typically embodies a common observation

Adage (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an often stated observation regarding something from common experience

    "that old adage, the early bird gets the worm"

    similar: aphorism, apothegm, byword, epigram, maxim, proverb, saw, saying, sententia, word
    related: bromide, cliché, commonplace, platitude, wheeze, expression, felicity, axiom, motto, precept, truism, truth, formula, comment, note, reflection, remark

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Adage

The most common words with a similar meaning to Adage:

aphorism, apothegm, byword, epigram, maxim, proverb, saw, saying, sententia, word

Related Words for Adage

bromide, cliché, commonplace, platitude, wheeze, expression, felicity, axiom, motto, precept, truism, truth, formula, comment, note, reflection, remark

Origin & Etymology of Adage

borrowed from Middle French, borrowed from Latin adagiō, adagium, from ad- ad- + ag-, base of aiō, āiō "(I) say" (going back to *ag-i̯ō, going back to an Indo-European verb stem *h2eǵ-i̯e- "say") + -ium, deverbal noun suffix; akin to Greek ê "(s/he) spoke," án-ōga "(I) command," Armenian asem "(I) say," Tocharian B āks- "announce, proclaim"

First known use: 1530

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Adage

Frequently Asked Questions about Adage

What does "Adage" mean?

"Adage" means a saying often in metaphorical form that typically embodies a common observation. As a noun, it is defined as: a saying often in metaphorical form that typically embodies a common observation.

What is another word for "Adage"?

Other words for "Adage" include aphorism, apothegm, byword, epigram, maxim, proverb, saw and saying. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Adage" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Adage"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Adage". Common alternatives include aphorism, apothegm, byword, epigram, maxim, proverb, saw, saying, sententia and word.

How do you use "Adage" in a sentence?

Examples of "Adage" in a sentence: "that old adage, the early bird gets the worm".

Is "Adage" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Adage" is a noun.

Is "Adage" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Adage" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Adage"?

"Adage" is pronounced /ˈa-dij/ and divided into syllables as ad·age.

What is the origin of the word "Adage"?

"Adage" comes from borrowed from Middle French, borrowed from Latin adagiō, adagium, from ad- ad- + ag-, base of aiō, āiō "(I) say" (going back to *ag-i̯ō, going back to an Indo-European verb stem *h2eǵ-i̯e- "say") + -ium, deverbal noun suffix; akin to Greek ê "(s/he) spoke," án-ōga "(I) command," Armenian asem "(I) say," Tocharian B āks- "announce, proclaim". First known use: 1530.