Proverbs-4

 Proverbs-4

The differences in meaning between proverbs, adage, aphorisms etc are rather subtle and nuanced and, in practice, they are often used as synonyms. Here is how I heard someone explain them:

• Saying: Short, memorable words.
• Aphorism: Short, memorable words of wisdom.
• Adage: Short, memorable words of wisdom that are well-known.
• Proverb: Short, memorable words of wisdom that are well-known and often come from folklore.
• Maxim: Short, memorable words of wisdom often related to morality or the sciences.
• Idiom: Short, memorable words whose true meaning does not come from their literal interpretation.

And then, of course, there are apophthegms, epigrams, mantras, mottos, paraprosdokians, quips and witticisms!