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View synonyms for

prose

[ prohz ]

noun

  1. the ordinary form of spoken or written language, without metrical structure, as distinguished from poetry or verse.
  2. matter-of-fact, commonplace, or dull expression, quality, discourse, etc.
  3. Liturgy. a hymn sung after the gradual, originating from a practice of setting words to the jubilatio of the alleluia.


adjective

  1. of, in, or pertaining to prose.
  2. commonplace; dull; prosaic.

verb (used with object)

prosed, prosing.
  1. to turn into or express in prose.

verb (used without object)

prosed, prosing.
  1. to write or talk in a dull, matter-of-fact manner.

prose

/ əʊ /

noun

  1. spoken or written language as in ordinary usage, distinguished from poetry by its lack of a marked metrical structure
  2. a passage set for translation into a foreign language
  3. commonplace or dull discourse, expression, etc
  4. RC Church a hymn recited or sung after the gradual at Mass
  5. modifier written in prose
  6. modifier matter-of-fact
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to write or say (something) in prose
  2. intr to speak or write in a tedious style
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈDzˌ, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • Dzl adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of prose1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin prōsa (ōrātiō), literally, “straightforward (speech),” feminine of prōsus, prōrsus, contraction of ōܲ “turned forward,” past participle of ōٱ “to turn forward,” equivalent to ō- pro- 1 + vertere “to turn”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of prose1

C14: via Old French from Latin phrase prōsa ōrātiō straightforward speech, from prorsus prosaic, from ōٱ to turn forwards, from pro- 1+ vertere to turn
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Against this tragic setting, the elegance of Todd’s prose plants wonder in the reader’s mind.

From

The prose is as famous as it is cliched, but Niemöller’s message is the same one that we Christians take to heart during Holy Week.

From

They’re all presented on the page by an inspired farceur whose exquisitely penned prose seems effortless, but belies the painstaking craftsmanship needed to make his split-second timing come off.

From

Burns’ cyclical, sardonic prose underscores the unnamed narrator’s defenselessness against neighborhood gossip that marks the Milkman’s unwanted attentions as consensual.

From

It felt simple, real and far more me than any flowery prose I could muster.

From

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proscriptiveProsecco