What does "proverbial" mean? Definition & examples
"Proverbial" is an adjective that means something is well-known and often repeated, like a proverb. A proverb is a short, simple statement that expresses a truth or a common belief.
Here is a detailed definition of "proverbial":
Used to describe something that is well-known and often repeated, especially a saying or expression that is considered wise or true.
Here are four usage examples of "proverbial" to help you better understand how this expression is used:
The old saying "time heals all wounds" is a proverbial expression of comfort and hope.
She always arrived late, which was a proverbial habit of hers.
The company's success was a proverbial overnight sensation, but in reality, it took years of hard work and dedication.
He was the proverbial black sheep of the family, always causing trouble and going against the norm.
Here are a few multiple choice practice questions to help you practice using "proverbial":
Which of the following is the best definition of "proverbial"?
A. A saying or expression that is considered wise or true
B. A saying or expression that is considered foolish or untrue
C. A saying or expression that is not well-known
Answer: A
Which of the following is NOT an example of "proverbial"?
A. "Actions speak louder than words"
B. "The early bird catches the worm"
C. "This is the first time I've heard that"
Answer: C
Which of the following is NOT true about "proverbial"?
A. It is an adjective.
B. It describes something that is well-known and often repeated.
C. It describes something that is not well-known and rarely repeated.
Answer: C
Which of the following sentences uses "proverbial" correctly?
A. She always arrived late, which was a proverb habit of hers.
B. The company's success was a proverb overnight sensation, but in reality, it took years of hard work and dedication.
C. He was the proverb black sheep of the family, always causing trouble and going against the norm.
Answer: B
Conclusion:
In conclusion, "proverbial" is an adjective that means something is well-known and often repeated, like a proverb. It is used to describe something that is considered wise or true and is often used to refer to sayings and expressions that are commonly used in everyday language.
What does "proverbial" mean?
"Proverbial" means something that is widely known and often referred to through a saying or proverb. It is often used to describe something that is typical or representative of a certain situation or characteristic.
Examples:
"He was late for the meeting, as usual. He really needs to get his act together, or he'll never be on time. His tardiness is becoming a proverbial problem." (meaning that the person is frequently late and it is a well-known issue)
"She always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude, even in the most difficult situations. Her optimism is almost proverbial." (meaning that she is known for her optimistic outlook)
"The saying 'a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' is a proverb that expresses the idea that it is better to have something certain than to risk losing it by trying to get something better." (meaning that the saying is well-known and often used to make a point)
What does proverbial mean?
The root word of proverbial is proverb. Proverb comes from the Latin word 'proverbium', meaning 'a common saying'. Proverbs are stories or expressions that usually teach a lesson.
Definitions:
The two main meanings for proverbial are as follows:
Of, resembling, or expressed as a proverb, idiom, cliche, fable or fairy tale. Technically it means as heard in a proverb, but can be stretched to include well known idioms and stories (fables).
Referring to something that is well-known or commonly referred to, the kind of thing that happens all the time.
Examples for the first definition:
An example of a proverb that can be used is 'Don't cry over spilt milk', which means that it's a waste of time to be upset about something that can't be helped. If somebody messes something by accident, it might make you think of the proverbial spilt milk.
An example of an idiom is 'getting cold feet', which refers to becoming nervous about something one is about to do. Someone could mention something about the proverbial cold feet.
An example of a fable is the story of the scorpion and the frog, where the scorpion asks the frog to carry it across the river and the scorpion ends up stinging the frog, killing them both. This fable teaches people that vicious people cannot resist hurting others, even when it is not in their own interest. So if someone says something like 'the proverbial frog and scorpion', you know to look for a proverb involving a frog and a scorpion.
Examples for the second definition:
Things that are widely known or spoken of, such as
Her proverbial lateness.
His generosity is proverbial.
Their hospitality is proverbial.
Conclusion:
Proverbial generally refers to something that relates to a proverb, but can also relate to idioms, fables or even to things that are well known.
What does"proverbial mean?
(of a statement) commonly known, esp. because it is from a proverb or saying known by many people, or because it expresses a truth known by a particular group of people:
1. Like the proverbial tortoise, it must win the race in the end.
She dreams of the proverbial man riding a white horse.
The djective proverbial:
We use it when we refer to something well-known mentioned in a proverb or an idiom.
of, relating to, or resembling a proverb
that has become a proverb or byword : commonly spoken of.
nsanity roamed through her large midwestern tribe, cloistered in proverbial dark closets in gabled houses in areas of the country where no one else lived for miles and miles … Lynne Tillman, Motion Sickness, 1991I keep running across people who speak fondly about what they imagine to be the comforts of autocracy, who long for the assurances of the proverbial man on the white horse likely to do something hard and puritanical about the moral relativism that has made a mess of the cities, the schools, and prime-time television. Lewis H. Lapham, Harper's, November 1990
proverbial
adjective
pro·ver·bi·al prə-ˈvər-bē-əl
1
: of, relating to, or resembling a proverb
2
: that has become a proverb or byword : commonly spoken ofthe proverbial smoking gun
proverbially prə-ˈvər-bē-ə-lē adverb
Example Sentences
Insanity roamed through her large midwestern tribe, cloistered in proverbial dark closets in gabled houses in areas of the country where no one else lived for miles and miles … Lynne Tillman, Motion Sickness, 1991I keep running across people who speak fondly about what they imagine to be the comforts of autocracy, who long for the assurances of the proverbial man on the white horse likely to do something hard and puritanical about the moral relativism that has made a mess of the cities, the schools, and prime-time television. Lewis H. Lapham, Harper's, November 1990
If something is proverbial, it's referred to in a familiar saying. If your little brother knocks over his milk and starts crying, you might think of the proverbial spilled milk.
Proverb is the root of proverbial, and it comes from the Latin word proverbium, “a common saying.” Proverbs are little stories or expressions that usually teach a lesson, like "Don't cry over spilled milk," which means "It's a waste of time to be upset about something that can't be helped." You could say to your dog, "Well, aren't you the proverbial best friend?" or tell your sister, who's dyed her hair purple, "You stick out like the proverbial sore thumb."
"Proverbial" means referred to in a proverb or idiom. It can also mean well known, especially so as to be stereotypical.
How do you use it in a sentence?
Like the proverbial tortoise, it must win in the end.
Proverbial means : of a word or phrase