prose Meaning & Definition
What Does Prose Mean?
Prose is a noun that means the ordinary language people use in speaking or writing. It is also used to mean a literary medium distinguished from poetry especially by its greater irregularity and variety of rhythm and its closer correspondence to the patterns of everyday speech. As an adjective, it means of, relating to, or written in prose. As a verb, it means to write prose.
Prose at a Glance
| Part of speech | noun, adjective, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈprōz/ |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Plural | proses |
| Verb forms | proses, prosing, prosed |
Prose Definition (Noun)
- the ordinary language people use in speaking or writing
- a literary medium distinguished from poetry especially by its greater irregularity and variety of rhythm and its closer correspondence to the patterns of everyday speech
- a dull or ordinary style, quality, or condition
Prose as an Adjective
- of, relating to, or written in prose
- prosaic
Prose as a Verb
- to write prose
- to write or speak in a dull or ordinary manner
Synonyms of Prose
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Prose synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Prose
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Prose in a Sentence
Though known mostly for her prose, she also produced a small body of excellent poems.
Word Forms & Grammar
prose
proses
prosed
pros·ing
prosing
prose (usually uncountable, plural proses)
prose (third-person singular simple present proses, present participle prosing, simple past and past participle prosed)
Words That Rhyme With Prose
Origin of Prose
Origin 1: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin prosa, from feminine of prorsus, prosus, straightforward, being in prose, contraction of proversus, past participle of provertere to turn forward, from pro- forward + vertere to turn pro-, worth
Origin 2: see prose:1
Origin 3: From Middle English prose, from Old French prose, from Latin prōsa (“straightforward”) from the term prōsa ōrātiō (“a straightforward speech – i.e. without the ornaments of verse”).[1][2]
First Known Use
14th century
15th century
How Do You Say Prose?
Prose is pronounced /ˈprōz/ and has 1 syllable.
Common Questions About Prose
Is prose a noun or an adjective?
Prose is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as an adjective and a verb.
What is the plural of prose?
The plural of prose is proses.
What is the past tense of prose?
The past tense of prose is prosed. The present participle is prosing.