French Conversation · Level 104
60 words
French word
adage
Pronunciation
IPA/adaʒ/
Meaning
- masculine nounsaying
Example
Comme le dit l'adage, il faut persévérer.
As the saying goes, we must persevere.
More examples
Un adage populaire affirme que la patience porte ses fruits.
A popular proverb says that patience bears fruit.
Core concept
A compact traditional saying that carries a general lesson or practical rule.
Common phrases
un adage ancien
an old proverb
comme le dit l'adage
as the proverb says
Similar words
proverbe: A widely known short saying that conveys a moral lesson.
dicton: A short proverb-like saying used within a region or occupation.
Definition in French
Courte formule traditionnelle qui exprime une vérité générale ou un conseil pratique.
Word origin
The French noun adage developed from Latin adagium through Old French and retained the sense of a short proverb or maxim.
Usage tips
- French adage is masculine, so the usual forms are un adage and cet adage.
Other meanings
- maximnoun