prosaic
Americanadjective
-
lacking imagination
-
having the characteristics of prose
Other Word 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.
A coed Filipino version was made in 1975, and a prosaic Americanized take in 1990.
From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026
The "Banjska incident" is a prosaic label for one of the most dramatic, dangerous and deadly days Kosovo has seen since it unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026
As the pair do some sightseeing, share meals and otherwise fill their days with prosaic acts, more than 30 minutes of screen time elapses in what amounts to stage-setting.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026
She said her group is focused on immediate, prosaic needs in the face of a challenging charitable environment.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025
On a more prosaic level, Mrs. Weston took her to the department stores where she could revel in another type of fairyland.
From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov
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.
