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Prosaic: meaning, definitions and examples

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prosaic

 

[ prษ™สŠหˆzeษช.ษชk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

common interest

Prosaic refers to something that is dull, unimaginative, or lacking in poetic beauty. It describes things that are ordinary and straightforward, often with a focus on practicality rather than creativity. The term is often used to convey disappointment in something that was expected to be more exciting or beautiful. In literature, a prosaic style is one that favors flat narrative over vibrant descriptions or lyrical flourishes.

Synonyms

banal, bland, mundane, ordinary, unimaginative

Examples of usage

  • The prosaic nature of his writing disappointed the audience.
  • She preferred the prosaic tasks of her job to the chaotic environment of a start-up.
  • The landscape was beautiful, but the description in the book was decidedly prosaic.

Translations

Translations of the word "prosaic" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น prosaico

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคพเคงเคพเคฐเคฃ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช prosaisch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ prosaik

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะพะทะฐั—ั‡ะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ prozaiczny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ•ฃๆ–‡็š„ใช

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท prosaรฏque

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ prosaico

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sฤฑradan

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‚ฐ๋ฌธ์ ์ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ุซุฑูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ prozaickรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ prozaickรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ•ฃๆ–‡็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ prozaichen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ prosaรญskur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟั€ะพะทะฐะธะบะฐะปั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒ แƒแƒ–แƒแƒ˜แƒ™แƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ prozaik

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ prosaico

Etymology

The word 'prosaic' originates from the Latin term 'prosaicus', meaning 'of prose', which in turn comes from the word 'prosa', meaning 'straightforward'. In literature, prose is distinguished from poetry, with prose being the more natural form of language used in narration and argumentative writing. The term began to acquire its modern connotation of dullness or lack of imagination in the 18th century, as writing styles evolved and the contrast between poetic and prosaic became more pronounced. It has been historically used to denote things that lack the elevation or beauty idealized in poetry, thus reinforcing the notion that prosaic expressions are less appealing or sophisticated. Over time, prosaic has been cemented in the English language to criticize works, ideas, or experiences that fail to inspire or evoke deep emotions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,120, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.