proverbial Meaning & Definition
What Does Proverbial Mean?
Proverbial is an adjective that means Of, resembling, or expressed as a proverb, cliché, fable, or fairy tale. It is also used to mean Optionally placed before an element of a well-known proverb or metaphor to emphasize that the element is not being used in a literal sense (see Usage notes below). As a noun, it means Used to replace a word that might be considered unacceptable in a particular situation, when using a well-known phrase.
Proverbial: Key Facts
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //pɹəˈvɜɹb.iː.əl// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | known |
| Plural | proverbials |
| Comparative / superlative | more proverbial, most proverbial |
Proverbial Definition (Adjective)
- Of, resembling, or expressed as a proverb, cliché, fable, or fairy tale.
The busyness of a beaver is proverbial.
- Optionally placed before an element of a well-known proverb or metaphor to emphasize that the element is not being used in a literal sense (see Usage notes below)
the proverbial smoking gun
- Widely known; famous; stereotypical.
I grew up in a prefab house on Main Street in 1950s suburbia, the second and last child of a proverbial nuclear family.
Proverbial as a Noun
- Used to replace a word that might be considered unacceptable in a particular situation, when using a well-known phrase.
I think we should be prepared in case the proverbial hits the fan.
- The groin or the testicles.
You'll find they've got you by the proverbials.
Adjective
- Not used in a literal sense, but as the subject of a well-known metaphor.
proverbial spilled milk
Synonyms of Proverbial
Proverbial synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Proverbial
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Proverbial in a Sentence
The busyness of a beaver is proverbial.
The beaver in this instance upheld the reputation of the proverbial one: her output was prodigious.
the proverbial smoking gun
the proverbial spilled milk
The visit was a warning shot across our proverbial bow
I grew up in a prefab house on Main Street in 1950s suburbia, the second and last child of a proverbial nuclear family.
I think we should be prepared in case the proverbial hits the fan.
Are you taking the proverbial?
You'll find they've got you by the proverbials.
proverbial spilled milk
Word Forms & Grammar
proverbial (comparative more proverbial, superlative most proverbial)
proverbial (plural proverbials)
Words That Rhyme With Proverbial
Origin of Proverbial
From Latin prōverbiālis, equivalent to proverb + -ial
Pronouncing Proverbial
The standard pronunciation of proverbial is //pɹəˈvɜɹb.iː.əl//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Common Questions About Proverbial
Is proverbial an adjective or a noun?
Proverbial is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for proverbial?
You can replace proverbial with words such as known. See the full list of proverbial synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of proverbial?
The plural of proverbial is proverbials.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of proverbial?
The comparative form is more proverbial and the superlative form is most proverbial.