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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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.
Inside Jefferson’s house, no function was so prosaic or humble that it could not also be clarified by the light of reason.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026
Similarly, the cast wrings some poetry out of the prosaic, often aphoristic dialogue.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026
The implication is these disasters are being deliberately engineered, but Loader believes the causes have more prosaic roots, and have their origins in economics.
From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026
But a new report argues that the real engine of Indian generosity is far more prosaic - and vastly larger.
From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026
They may spend prosaic domestic evenings together, him reading the paper while she serves up a casserole.
From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood
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.
