First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
prolix
adjective pro·lix \prō-ˈliks, ˈprō-(ˌ)\
: using too many words
Full Definition of PROLIX
1
: unduly prolonged or drawn out : too long
2
: marked by or using an excess of words
— pro·lix·i·ty \prō-ˈlik-sə-tē\ noun
— pro·lix·ly adverb
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Origin of PROLIX
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French prolix, from Latin prolixus extended, from pro- forward + liquēre to be fluid — more at liquid
Related to PROLIX
- Synonyms
- circuitous, circumlocutory, diffuse, garrulous, logorrheic, long-winded, pleonastic, wordy, rambling, verbose, windy
Synonym Discussion of PROLIX
wordy, verbose, prolix, diffuse mean using more words than necessary to express thought. wordy may also imply loquaciousness or garrulity <a wordy speech>. verbose suggests a resulting dullness, obscurity, or lack of incisiveness or precision <the verbose position papers>. prolix suggests unreasonable and tedious dwelling on details <habitually transformed brief anecdotes into prolix sagas>. diffuse stresses lack of compactness and pointedness of style <diffuse memoirs that are so many shaggy-dog stories>.
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