Proverb
/ˈprɒv.ɜːb/noun
A short, widely known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice.
Did you know?Proverb comes from Latin proverbium, literally a statement “set forth” publicly, which is why proverbs spread like memetic spells through communities.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wer-
“to speak, say”
Latin
Latin
verbum
“word, speech”
Latin
Latin
proverbium
“a proverb, an old saying; literally a saying put forth”
Old French
Old French
proverbe
“a proverb, maxim, saying”
Middle English
English
proverbe
“a proverb or wise saying”
Modern English
English
proverb
“a short traditional saying expressing a general truth or piece of advice”