What is an adage and a proverb?

An adage is a brief statement that expresses a truth or piece of advice, often in a metaphorical way. Adages are typically used in everyday conversation and are typically based on common sense or traditional wisdom rather than scientific or academic evidence. For example, "A penny saved is a penny earned" is a well-known adage that encourages thriftiness and saving money.

A proverb is a short, often metaphorical saying that expresses a commonly held belief or piece of wisdom. Proverbs are typically passed down through generations and are often based on traditional cultural beliefs or values. For example, "The early bird catches the worm" is a proverb that encourages promptness and seizing opportunities.

Adages and proverbs are often used interchangeably, and they share many similarities. Both are typically brief statements that express wisdom or advice in a concise and memorable way. However, proverbs tend to be more traditional and based on cultural beliefs, while adages can be more general and based on common sense.