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REFERENCE

prosperous

adj.
US //ˈpɹɑspɝəs// UK //pɹˈɒspəɹəs// pros·per·ous
  1. 1 wealthy and successful (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    successful and having a lot of money.

    characterised by financial success, affluence, and material well-being.

    Example

    The city became very prosperous after the new tech companies moved in.

    Example

    The region's prosperous middle class drove a surge in demand for luxury goods and high-end services throughout the decade.

    Usage

    often describes businesses, countries, or families.
  2. 2 favourable (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    likely to bring success or good results.

    tending to favour or bring about success; auspicious or promising.

    Example

    The ship waited for a prosperous wind before leaving the harbour.

    Example

    Despite a prosperous start to the negotiations, the two parties eventually reached a deadlock over environmental regulations.

    Usage

    usually describes conditions, winds, or beginnings.
Origin

From Middle French prospereus, from Old French prosperer, from Latin prosperō (“to cause to succeed”), from Old Latin pro spere (“according to expectation”), from pro (“for”) + spes (“hope”).

Word family

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