profuse
[pruh-fyoos]
- spending or giving freely and in large amount, often to excess; extravagant (often followed by in): profuse praise.
- made or done freely and abundantly: profuse apologies.
- abundant; in great amount.
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Origin of profuse
Synonym study
Antonyms
1. thrifty.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for profusely
Contemporary Examples
They thanked him profusely for his public service, apologized for Republican hectoring, and complained about decorum.
Then, of course, there was the time he was allegedly spotted sleeping during a Springsteen show, which he profusely denied.
Best Lines From the GOP Convention: Christie, McCain & More (Videos)Caitlin Dickson, Laura Colarusso
August 31, 2012
This time, he profusely apologized to his staff, and more important, to his wife.
They have all been significant, though none has been as profusely emotional as the first.
Historical Examples
It was profusely strewed with the plunder of that unlucky fortress.
The Last of the MohicansJames Fenimore Cooper
And then these extra prayers were printed so prettily, they rhymed so profusely.
Dreamers of the GhettoI. Zangwill
In the evening I perspired so profusely that my bed had to be changed.
The Memoires of Casanova, CompleteJacques Casanova de Seingalt
It is profusely and beautifully illustrated; a handsome volume.
No Animal FoodRupert H. Wheldon
The book is profusely illustrated by Charles Copeland and other artists.
Wood Folk at SchoolWilliam J. Long
profuse
- plentiful, copious, or abundantprofuse compliments
- (often foll by in) free or generous in the giving (of)profuse in thanks
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Word Origin
C15: from Latin profundere to pour lavishly
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
Word Origin and History for profusely
profuse
adj.
early 15c., "lavish, extravagant," from Latin profusus "spread out, lavish, extravagant," literally "poured forth," noun use of past participle of profundere "pour forth," from pro- "forth" (see pro-) + fundere "to pour" (see found (v.2)). Meaning "bountiful" is from c.1600. Related: Profusely; profuseness.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper