prolix

American  

[proh-liks, proh-liks] / proʊˈlɪks, ˈproʊ lɪks /

adjective

1. extended to great, unnecessary, or tedious length; long and wordy.

   Synonyms:

   verbose , protracted

2. (of a person) given to speaking or writing at great or tedious length.

   Synonyms:

   verbose

---

prolix British  

/ ˈprəʊlɪks, prəʊˈlɪks /

adjective

1. (of a speech, book, etc) so long as to be boring; verbose

2. indulging in prolix speech or writing; long-winded

---

Related Words

See wordy.

Other Word Forms

• overprolix adjective
• prolixity noun
• prolixly adverb
• prolixness noun

Etymology

Origin of prolix

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin prōlixus “extended, long,” equivalent to prō- pro- ¹ + -lixus, akin to līquī “to flow”; liquor

Example Sentences

In 1949, a young American artist named Ray Johnson left Black Mountain College near Asheville, N.C., moved to New York City and began to explore his prolix talents, both visual and verbal.

From New York Times

On one especially prolix ballad, “Blind,” she lets her lyrics fly fast and furious, only half-apologizing for being “raunchy like Bob Saget” before outlining how toxic romances erode self-worth.

From Washington Post

It’s hard to imagine a more committed recording; but if there are moments in the first three movements when Rott’s promise truly shines through, there’s nothing Hrusa can do for the absurdly prolix finale.

From New York Times

She added, in a prolix sentence that nonetheless makes its point, “Or is it actually that the sense of achievement his work self-consciously carries with it itself carries less credibility than it used to?”

From New York Times

He wasn’t a particularly gifted or prolix orator.

From Washington Times