First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
prone
adjective \ˈprōn\
: likely to do, have, or suffer from something
: lying with the front of your body facing downward
Full Definition of PRONE
1
: having a tendency or inclination : being likely <prone to forget names> <accident-prone>
2
a : having the front or ventral surface downward b : lying flat or prostrate
— prone adverb
— prone·ly adverb
— prone·ness \ˈprōn-nəs\ noun
See prone defined for English-language learners
See prone defined for kids
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Examples of PRONE
- Hull then corralled the rebound and shoveled the puck past the left arm and leg of the prone Hasek with his forehand, touching off a wild on-ice celebration. —Michael Farber, Sports Illustrated, 28 June 1999
- I too have been prone on my couch this week, a victim of the common cold. —Flannery O'Connor, letter, 20 Mar. 1961
- My almond tree lies prone across the court, blown down by a gale. —Conrad Aiken, letter, 3 Oct. 1930
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Origin of PRONE
Middle English, from Latin pronus bent forward, tending; akin to Latin pro forward — more at for
Synonym Discussion of PRONE
prone, supine, prostrate, recumbent mean lying down. prone implies a position with the front of the body turned toward the supporting surface <push-ups require a prone position>. supine implies lying on one's back and suggests inertness or abjectness <lying supine on the couch>. prostrate implies lying full-length as in submission, defeat, or physical collapse <a runner fell prostrate at the finish line>. recumbent implies the posture of one sleeping or resting <a patient comfortably recumbent in a hospital bed>.
synonyms see in addition liable
PRONE Defined for Kids
prone
adjective \ˈprōn\
Definition of PRONE for Kids
1
: likely to be or act a certain way <Her dog is prone to laziness.>
2
: lying with the front of the body facing downward
Medical Dictionary
prone
adjective \ˈprōn\
Medical Definition of PRONE
: having the front or ventral surface downward; especially : lying facedown
—prone adverb
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