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Prolix: meaning, definitions and examples

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prolix

[หˆprลliks ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

writing style

Using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy.

Synonyms

long-winded, loquacious, rambling, verbose, wordy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prolix

Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe writing or speech that is tediously lengthy and filled with unnecessary details.

  • The professor's prolix lecture put half of the students to sleep.
  • The prolix novel received mixed reviews due to its excessive detail.
verbose

Used when speech or writing contains more words than necessary, often in a critical way.

  • The verbose essay was difficult to read because of its unnecessary length.
  • Being verbose isn't always bad, but it can make communication more difficult.
long-winded

Mostly used in everyday conversation to describe someone who talks too much or with too many words, making it difficult for others to stay engaged.

  • Her long-winded explanation left everyone confused.
  • He is known for his long-winded speeches that never get to the point.
rambling

Implying disorganized or incoherent speech or writing that doesn't stay on topic; often has a negative connotation.

  • His rambling speech confused the audience.
  • The rambling email made it hard to understand the main point.
wordy

Describing writing or speech with too many words; commonly used in a neutral or informal context.

  • The contract was too wordy for anyone to easily understand.
  • Her wordy explanation could have been much shorter.
loquacious

Used to describe someone who is very talkative, often in a positive or neutral sense.

  • She is a loquacious host who entertains her guests all night.
  • His loquacious nature makes him a great storyteller.

Examples of usage

  • He was criticized for his prolix writing style, which made his novels difficult to read.
  • The prolix speech bored the audience, who struggled to stay focused.
  • Her prolix emails were often ignored by her coworkers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin 'prolixus', meaning 'extended' or 'flowing out', which reflects its meaning of being lengthy.
  • Early uses of the word date back to the 15th century, describing works that are often more elaborate than necessary.
  • Related words like 'prolific' share the same Latin root, hinting at their connection to abundance.

Literature

  • Some famous authors, like Charles Dickens, have been described as prolix for their lengthy descriptions and elaborate styles.
  • Critics often use the term to describe works that, while detailed, might lose the reader's attention due to excessive length.
  • In poetry, a prolix approach can create a picturesque scene but may also dilute the poem's emotional impact.

Communication

  • In modern settings, prolixity is often discouraged to help keep presentations engaging and to the point.
  • Effective communication emphasizes clarity, which can be lost in prolix explanations, causing misunderstandings.
  • Many public speaking courses focus on eliminating prolix language to improve audience engagement.

Psychology

  • People who overly embellish their speech may do so to seek validation or to display intelligence.
  • Prolix communication styles can be linked to certain personality types that favor detail over brevity.
  • Listeners may experience cognitive overload when faced with prolix discourse, leading to disengagement.

Pop Culture

  • In television and movies, characters who are prolix are often portrayed as overly intellectual or pretentious.
  • Prolix speeches in films can serve as comic relief when characters drone on while others struggle to maintain interest.
  • Social media has sparked debates about prolixity versus concise posts, reflecting on contemporary communication styles.

Translations

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Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,351, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.