prosaic
Americanadjective
-
lacking imagination
-
having the characteristics of prose
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of prosaic
First recorded in 1650–60, prosaic is from the Late Latin word prōsaicus. See prose, -ic
Explanation
Prosaic means ordinary or dull. Most of us lead a prosaic everyday life, sometimes interrupted by some drama or crisis. This adjective is from Latin prosa, "prose," which is ordinary writing intended to communicate ideas and information. Prose is often contrasted with poetry, which usually has a more imaginative and original style.
Vocabulary lists containing prosaic
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"The Monkey's Paw," Vocabulary from the short story
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Dracula
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Come, now, let us be reasonable: What’s wrong with “Admin User”? Prosaic, but there’s nothing wrong with prosaic handles in a work chat.
From Slate • Aug. 4, 2020
Prosaic choices, like whether to send a child on a play date, or whether to meet a potential suitor, have become matters of life and death.
From New York Times • Mar. 27, 2020
Prosaic indeed, and much of it, one hopes, impossible campaign bluster.
From The Guardian • Nov. 12, 2016
Prosaic beginnings for what are now much more ambitious ends.
From Scientific American • Jun. 1, 2012
Prosaic enough, however, was what she went on to tell him of her struggle for life by day and for learning by night.
From Ghetto Comedies by Zangwill, Israel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
