meaning - What is the difference between a proverb, an adage, and an aphorism?


Dictionary definitions of all three are very similar, typically something like:



a pithy observation which contains a general truth



But the Wikipedia entries for each are quite different. Are these words largely interchangeable synonyms?


In the Wikipedia entry for adage, for example, a proverb is defined as an adage produced from folk wisdom, whereas an aphorism has "not necessarily gained credit through long use, but is distinguished by particular depth or good style".



Answer



It is common to find different words existing in English to represent a similar idea. It is an essential characteristic of a language with a long history.


To give you some idea: (I have linked the etymologies as well, which could give some idea about the original differences between the words which have deteriorated over time and use.)


Aphorism:



A ‘definition’ or concise statement of a principle in any science (OED)



This is essentially used to refer to a definition in science or any other technical education.


Adage:



A maxim handed down from antiquity (OED)



Any principle bequeathed from the past is an adage.


Proverb:



A short pithy saying in common and recognized use (OED)



A proverb has to be pithy and also common in use.


However we can certainly say that these distinctions in the definition are largely ignored in practical usage. Along with these three words, others like saw, maxim and apothegm could also be used interchangeably. Proverb, adage and maxim are the commonest from what I have encountered.


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