What is an adage?

What is the definition of an adage?

An adage is a brief saying that expresses a well-known statement derived from experience or custom. They are often handed down from generation to generation and are widely accepted as credible due to their longevity and commonality.

The word itself is French and originated in the 1500s, with roots in the Latin words aio (“I say”) and adagium (“saying”).

An adage is a type of aphorism, which is a concise, memorable expression of a principle that is generally considered to be true and is frequently handed down through generations. Others may argue that there is a difference, and that aphorism requires interpretation to be understood, while an adage is more direct in its meaning.

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Adages vs. proverbs vs. parables

Adages are commonly confused with proverbs, but the two can be differentiated thanks to the fact that a proverb commonly deals with morality and may sound more like a riddle than a widely accepted truth. It’s this riddle aspect that helps to differentiate the adage from the proverb. An easily understood adage with a moral implication is considered a maxim , rather than a proverb.

Along the same lines, an adage is not a parable. A parable is a longer story that can be used and referenced to convey important lessons and morals. While a parable can be referenced with a shortened phrase or allusion, it differs from an adage because of its storytelling aspect.

What are examples of adages?

If you’re struggling to think of an adage, think of a line you might remember from popular culture or a well-known slogan that functions as a pearl of wisdom. Here are some examples and their meanings:

• “Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses.” (Slow down and appreciate the simple things.)
• “Slow and steady wins the race.” (Consistent effort leads to success.)
• “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” (Don’t concentrate efforts or resources on a single thing, or you could lose everything.)
• “Better safe than sorry.” (Exercise caution or pay the price.)
• “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” (One’s character may not match their looks, and vice versa.)
• “It’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” (Understanding the joy and grief of love is better than not knowing either.)
• “Stupid is as stupid does” from Forrest Gump. (A person should be judged by their actions. Stupid behavior indicates stupidity.)
• “Curiosity killed the cat.” (Be careful. Don’t make rash decisions.)
• “The early bird catches the worm.” (Wake up early to start your day.)
• “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” (Two instances of poor behavior won’t cancel each other out. Always conduct yourself appropriately, even if someone else isn’t.)
• “Be all that you can be” is the motto of the United States Army. (Strive to be the best version of yourself and achieve your dreams.)
• “Have you something to do tomorrow? Do it today.” from Benjamin Franklin’s “Poor Richard’s Almanac.” (Don’t put things off. Handle your business in a timely fashion.)

When to use adages in your writing

Adages are incredibly versatile for being so short. They’re extremely effective for making statements about life or teaching a lesson and can be used in a speech or presentation to help build credibility with an audience. Because they’re so wildly known, they’re commonly used in literature and poetry as devices for one character to impart wisdom to another. For those creating presentations and taglines, adages can be used to sell products or grab an audience’s attention.

While these quippy phrases can help punch up your writing, try to avoid overuse. If writer’s block is bringing you down, there are lots of other ways to improve your writing!