Word
prosperous
Phoneticspros·per·ous, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹɑspɝəs/
UK/pɹˈɒspəɹəs/
Definitions
01wealthy and successful
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. successful and having a lot of money.
adj. characterised by financial success, affluence, and material well-being.
“The city became very prosperous after the new tech companies moved in.”
“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.
Antonyms
02favourable
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. likely to bring success or good results.
adj. tending to favour or bring about success; auspicious or promising.
“The ship waited for a prosperous wind before leaving the harbour.”
“Despite a prosperous start to the negotiations, the two parties eventually reached a deadlock over environmental regulations.”
Usage
usually describes conditions, winds, or beginnings.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“She lived a relatively prosperous life – she had a home and her children went to school.” “This season appeared to get off to a prosperous start until the roof began to cave in over in Austria.” Etymology
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”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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