Adage vs. Gnome — What's the Difference?

An adage (; Latin: adagium) is a concise, memorable, and usually philosophical aphorism that communicates an important truth derived from experience, custom, or both, and that many people consider true and credible because of its longeval tradition, i.e. being handed down generation to generation, or memetic replication.

A gnome is a mythological creature and diminutive spirit in Renaissance magic and alchemy, first introduced by Paracelsus in the 16th century and later adopted by more recent authors including those of modern fantasy literature. Its characteristics have been reinterpreted to suit the needs of various story tellers, but it is typically said to be a small humanoid that lives underground.Diminutive statues of gnomes introduced as lawn ornaments during the 19th century grew in popularity during the 20th century and came to be known as garden gnomes.

A proverb or short statement expressing a general truth

One of a fabled race of dwarflike creatures who live underground and guard treasure hoards.

A saying that sets forth a general truth and that has gained credit through long use. See Usage Note at redundancy.

In the occult philosophy of Paracelsus, a being that has earth as its element.

An old saying which has obtained credit by long use.

A pithy saying that expresses a general truth or fundamental principle; an aphorism.

An old saying which has been overused or considered a cliché; a trite maxim.

A brief reflection or maxim; a pithy saying.

An old saying, which has obtained credit by long use; a proverb.

An elemental (spirit or corporeal creature associated with a classical element) associated with earth.

A condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people

One of a race of imaginary human-like beings, usually depicted as short and typically bearded males, who inhabit the inner parts of the earth and act as guardians of mines, mineral treasure, etc.; in modern fantasy literature and games, when distinguished from dwarves, gnomes are usually even smaller than dwarves and more focussed on engineering than mining.

A person of small stature or misshapen features, or of strange appearance.

The northern pygmy owl, Glaucidium gnoma, a small owl of the western United States.

A small statue of a dwarf-like character, often bearded, placed in a garden.

An upper atmospheric optical phenomenon associated with thunderstorms, a compact blue starter.

A banker, especially a secretive international one.

An imaginary being, supposed by the Rosicrucians to inhabit the inner parts of the earth, and to be the guardian of mines, quarries, etc.

A dwarf; a goblin; a person of small stature or misshapen features, or of strange appearance.

A small owl (Glaucidium gnoma) of the Western United States.

A brief reflection or maxim.

A legendary creature resembling a tiny old man; lives in the depths of the earth and guards buried treasure

A short pithy saying expressing a general truth