Prone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prone

[prəʊn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a position

Lying flat, especially face down. Having a tendency or inclination towards something.

Synonyms

face down, inclined, lying flat, predisposed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prone	Used to describe a natural tendency or likelihood to experience something, often something negative. He is prone to accidents. She is prone to making mistakes when she’s tired.
lying flat	Describes being in a horizontal position stretched out on a surface, often used in medical or relaxing contexts. He was lying flat on the examination table. She lay flat on the beach to sunbathe.
face down	Often used to describe a position where someone's front side, especially the face, is directly towards the ground. She lay face down on the massage table. The suspect was ordered to lie face down on the ground.
inclined	Indicates a tendency or preference towards a particular behavior or action. He is inclined to accept the offer. She is artistically inclined.
predisposed	Indicates a higher susceptibility or natural tendency towards a condition or behavior, often used in a medical or psychological context. He is genetically predisposed to diabetes. Being stressed can predispose you to illness.

Examples of usage

She was prone on the floor, unable to move.
He is prone to making impulsive decisions.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a manner

In a position that is flat, especially face down. In a manner that indicates a tendency or inclination towards something.

Synonyms

face down, flatly, tending.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prone	Used to describe someone who is likely to do something or something that frequently happens to them. It can also mean lying face down. He is prone to forgetting his keys. He lay prone on the ground, exhausted.
flatly	Mostly used to describe someone speaking in a firm and unfriendly manner, or refusing something decisively. It can have a negative connotation. She flatly refused to help him. He flatly denied the accusations.
face down	Used to specify the position where someone or something is lying with their face or the front part downward. During the workout, she had to lie face down. The photo was left face down on the table.
tending	Used to describe someone who is taking care of something or someone. It can also describe a general tendency or inclination. She was tending to the garden. He is tending to his grandfather.

Examples of usage

She fell prone on the ground after tripping.
He tends to speak prone to exaggeration.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

People who are prone to anxiety may be more sensitive to stressors in their environment.
This term can describe one's susceptibility to behaviors or emotions, such as being prone to laughter or sadness.

Medicine

In medical terms, being prone can assist with respiratory functions during certain treatments, like in patients with pneumonia.
Healthcare professionals often position patients prone to improve oxygenation by leveraging gravity.

Pop Culture

The term is commonly used in military and tactical contexts to describe a position that offers stability and cover.
Prone positions have been depicted in various movies and games, symbolizing vulnerability or a strategic advantage.

Literature

The word appears frequently in literary contexts to convey vulnerability or defeat, such as characters left prone after an intense battle.
Poets may use 'prone' metaphorically to describe feelings of helplessness or surrender, enriching the emotional depth of their work.

Origin of 'prone'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'pronus', meaning 'leaning forward, inclined', which reflects its meaning of lying down.
Originally, it was used in the sense of being physically flat or positioned face down.

The word 'prone' originated from the Latin word 'pronus', meaning inclined or bent forward. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of being lying flat or inclined towards something. The usage of 'prone' has been documented in English since the late 14th century, adapting from its Latin roots to its current meaning and usage.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,137 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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7134 facial
7135 cage
7136 faithfully
7137 prone
7138 compassion
7139 benefited
7140 diversion
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