prosaic
American
adjective
-
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.
Meek, a 10-year-old Black girl, is grappling with her fears of nuclear Armageddon as more prosaic domestic concerns kick into high gear.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026
But there are other, more prosaic, unintended consequences to consider too.
From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2026
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
A coed Filipino version was made in 1975, and a prosaic Americanized take in 1990.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 4, 2026
Let me be prosaic so far as facts can be; it will help me to bear up, and imagination must not run riot with me.
From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
