ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prolific

adj.
C1 Advanced US //pɹoʊˈɫɪfɪk// UK //pɹəlˈɪfɪk// pro·lif·ic

adj. producing a large amount of something. You use this to describe someone like an artist who makes many works, or a plant that grows lots of fruit.

adj. producing abundant works, results, or offspring. Often describes creative professionals or biological organisms with high output.


SIMPLE

The apple tree is very prolific this year.

CONTEXTUAL

The prolific author published three novels and a collection of short stories in a single calendar year.

COMPLEX

In the nutrient-rich waters of the estuary, the local fish populations are incredibly prolific, supporting a complex food web that includes several endangered bird species.

Synonyms
Origin

1635: from French prolifique and its etymon Latin prōlificus, from prōlēs (“offspring”) + -ficus (“making”).

Usage

Typically precedes the noun it modifies or follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.

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