# proverb

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈpɹɒvɜːb/ · frequency rank #24,283

## Definitions
1. A commonly used sentence expressing popular wisdom.
2. Any commonly used turn of phrase expressing a metaphor, simile, or descriptive epithet.
3. A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable.
4. A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference.
5. A drama exemplifying a proverb.

## Etymology
From Old French proverbe, from Latin proverbium.

## Easily confused with
- **proves** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/proverb-vs-proves)
- **Proverbs** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/proverb-vs-proverbs)
- **prove** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/prove-vs-proverb)
- **proper** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/proper-vs-proverb)
- **proved** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/proved-vs-proverb)
- **proven** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/proven-vs-proverb)

## Common misspellings (11)
`porverb`, `pproverb`, `proevrb`, `provebr`, `proverbb`, `proverrb`, `provreb`, `provverb`, `prroverb`, `prvoerb`, `rpoverb`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/proverb