What is an 'adage'?

An 'adage' is defined as a memorable saying that expresses a general truth or observation about life. These phrases or expressions often embody the wisdom garnered from experiences and are passed down through generations. They are typically short and poignant, making them easy to remember and share. Because of their nature, adages can resonate with people and provide enlightenment or a moral lesson, contributing to their enduring popularity in conversation and literature.

The definition aligns perfectly with the concept of an adage, emphasizing its function as a succinct way to convey a common understanding or insight. This is what distinguishes it from a formal law, which is a set rule or regulation upheld by authority, an unpopular belief that reflects a view not widely accepted, or a scientific theory grounded in empirical evidence and subject to testing. These other choices do not capture the essence of what an adage represents in language and culture.