What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Proverb vs Dictum - What's the difference?

proverb | dictum |

As nouns the difference between proverb and dictum

is that proverb is a phrase expressing a basic truth which may be applied to common situations while dictum is an authoritative statement; a dogmatic saying; a maxim, an apothegm.

As a verb proverb

is to write or utter proverbs.

proverb

Noun

(en noun)
  • A phrase expressing a basic truth which may be applied to common situations.
  • A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable.
  • * Bible, John xvi. 29
  • His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb .
  • A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference.
  • * Bible, Deuteronomy xxviii. 37
  • Thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb , and a by word, among all nations.
  • A drama exemplifying a proverb.
  • Synonyms

    * (phrase expressing a basic truth) adage, apothegm, byword, maxim, paroemia, saw, saying, sententia * See also

    Derived terms

    * proverbial * proverbiology * proverbs hunt in pairs

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To write or utter proverbs.
  • To name in, or as, a proverb.
  • * 1671 , John Milton, Samson Agonistes , lines 203-205:
  • Am I not sung and proverbed for a fool / In every street, do they not say, "How well / Are come upon him his deserts?"
  • To provide with a proverb.
  • * Shakespeare
  • I am proverbed with a grandsire phrase.
    (Webster 1913)

    See also

    * ----

    dictum

    English

    (wikipedia dictum)

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • An authoritative statement; a dogmatic saying; a maxim, an apothegm.
  • * 1949 , Bruce Kiskaddon, George R. Stewart, (Earth Abides)
  • ...a dictum which he had heard an economics professor once propound...
  • A judicial opinion expressed by judges on points that do not necessarily arise in the case, and are not involved in it.
  • The report of a judgment made by one of the judges who has given it.
  • An arbitrament or award.
  • ----