prolific
- 01 C1 Advanced
producing many works, such as books, paintings, or songs.
producing a large quantity of creative or intellectual work. Often used to describe authors, artists, or composers.
Simple“The prolific author wrote over fifty novels during her long career.”
In context“Despite his short life, Schubert was a prolific composer, leaving behind a vast catalogue of over six hundred lieder and numerous symphonies.”
UsageUsually precedes the noun it modifies.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
producing many offspring, fruit, or seeds.
producing offspring or fruit in great abundance. Applied to plants, animals, or environments.
Simple“Rabbits are famous for being prolific breeders.”
In context“The valley's volcanic soil makes it a prolific agricultural region, capable of supporting multiple harvests within a single growing season.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
present in large numbers or happening very often.
existing in large numbers or characterized by high frequency. Often used in sports or social contexts to describe scorers or offenders.
Simple“He was a prolific goal scorer for his national team.”
In context“The detective noted that the thief had been particularly prolific in this neighborhood, striking three different houses in a single week.”
“Laéssio Rodrigues de Oliveira, 53, described by Brazilian media as a prolific art thief, is suspected of having planned and directed the crime, according to Brazilian news outlet Globo.”
“Performing soon began to pay: from 13 to 31, he was a prolific voice actor in cartoons including Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!.”
1635: from French prolifique and its etymon Latin prōlificus, from prōlēs (“offspring”) + -ficus (“making”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.