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A proverb (from the Latin
proverbium) is a simple and concrete saying popularly known and
repeated, which expresses a truth, based on common sense or the
practical experience of humanity. They are often metaphorical. A proverb
that describes a basic rule of conduct may also be known as a maxim. If
a proverb is distinguished by particularly good phrasing, it may be
known as an aphorism.
Proverbs are often borrowed from different languages and cultures, and
sometimes come down to the present through more than one language. Both
the Bible and medieval Latin have played a considerable role in
distributing proverbs across Western Europe and even further. |
