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Prolific Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prolific

[prəˈlɪfɪk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

creative output

producing in large quantities or with great frequency

Synonyms

creative, fruitful, productive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prolific

Use this term when referring to someone or something that produces a large amount of work or results. It often carries a positive connotation, implying both high quantity and quality. It can be used in various contexts, including writing, art, science, and nature.

  • The prolific author released three novels in one year.
  • This plant is prolific and produces flowers throughout the year.
productive

This word is most appropriate when describing someone or something that works efficiently and produces a lot of output. It is often used in professional, academic, and personal productivity contexts.

  • She had a productive day and finished all her tasks ahead of schedule.
  • The new software made the team more productive by automating repetitive tasks.
creative

This word is suitable when talking about someone who has the ability to think imaginatively and come up with original ideas. It is especially relevant in art, design, problem-solving, and innovative fields.

  • She is very creative and always comes up with unique ideas for our projects.
  • The creative design of the new building has received a lot of praise.
fruitful

Use 'fruitful' to describe an activity or period of time that yields positive or productive results. It often implies that the efforts put into something were rewarded.

  • The meeting was fruitful, and we managed to solve many issues.
  • They had a fruitful discussion that led to effective strategies.

Examples of usage

  • She was a prolific writer, publishing over 50 books in her lifetime.
  • The artist was known for his prolific output of paintings.
  • The company has been prolific in releasing new products each year.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Some of the most prolific writers in history include Agatha Christie, who penned over 80 novels and short stories.
  • William Shakespeare is often cited for his prolific output, with 39 plays and 154 sonnets.
  • Modern authors like Stephen King also exemplify prolificness, often releasing multiple works each year.

Science

  • In ecology, prolific species are those that produce many offspring to ensure survival, like rabbits and certain fish.
  • Prolific plants, such as weeds, reproduce quickly and can spread rapidly across an area.
  • In agriculture, a prolific crop yields high amounts of produce, significantly impacting food supply and economy.

Art

  • Artists like Pablo Picasso were known for being prolific, creating thousands of works throughout their careers.
  • In the music industry, prolific composers and musicians produce a wide range of songs, sometimes releasing albums multiple times a year.
  • Street artists often become prolific by continuously adding to urban landscapes, making their mark visible widely.

Psychology

  • Prolific creativity is often linked to a person's environment and can be influenced by factors like encouragement and resources.
  • Research suggests that prolific creators often engage in regular practice, fostering their skills over time.
  • Being prolific can be a sign of good mental health, as it often correlates with a high level of engagement and fulfillment.

Origin of 'prolific'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'prolific' comes from the Latin word 'prolificus', which means 'bringing forth offspring'.
  • It entered the English language in the early 17th century, originally referring to animals that produce many young.
  • Over time, its meaning expanded to include creativity and productivity in various fields.

The word 'prolific' originates from the Latin word 'prolificus', which means 'generating offspring'. The term evolved over time to describe someone or something that produces a large quantity of work, ideas, or offspring. The concept of being prolific has been valued throughout history, with many famous writers, artists, and inventors known for their prolific output.

See also: prolificacy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,621, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.