Proverbs and sayings are an inexhaustible source of folk wisdom. For centuries, they were considered a kind of code of moral norms and rules of behavior. In addition, proverbs and sayings make speech brighter and more imaginative.
The words "proverbs" and "sayings" so often stand side by side that they can seem synonymous. In fact, they have different meanings.
Proverbs and Sayings: What is it?
A proverb is a popular saying containing a short instruction that carries an instructive meaning. The authors of proverbs, as a rule, remain unknown, however, it also happens that quotations from literary works become proverbs. For example, "Happy Hours are Not Watching" from Griboyedov's comedy "Woe from Wit". It also happens that a proverb gives a name to a literary work. This technique was actively used by Alexander Nikolayevich Ostrovsky, among the names of his comedies - "Not all the carnival for the cat", "Don't get into your sleigh."
A proverb is a stable phrase, metaphor, phraseological phrase. For example, "stay with the nose", "small, but daring." In speech, any proverb can be replaced with other words. The meaning of the phrase will not change, but the speech itself will become less vivid and emotional.
How to distinguish between proverbs and sayings?
It would seem that the difference between a proverb and a saying is quite obvious. Each of these concepts has specific definitions. In practice, however, it is not always easy to distinguish between them.
There is no rhyme in sayings, proverbs are rhythmically organized and most often have rhyme. The meaning of proverbs is simple and clear to everyone. Sayings, as a rule, carry some ironic overtones. The main idea in them is often expressed in a metaphorical form.
A proverb is an independent, logically complete phrase. The truth contained in it is beyond doubt, as it has already managed to withstand the test of time. A proverb helps a person make the right decision, teaches and instructs him. In other words, a proverb is always a reflection of popular wisdom.
The saying helps to express emotions, to make the language brighter and more figurative. As a rule, a saying is not a complete sentence.
Proverbs suggest an extremely short expression of thought, but at the same time they are detailed sentences. Sayings are not sentences, but phrases. By the way, a proverb may well become the basis for the emergence of a proverb.
Despite the existing differences between proverbs and sayings, both of them are an adornment of Russian speech, giving it colorfulness, vivid imagery and emotionality.
