What does "prose" mean?
Language, particularly written language, not intended as poetry.
Prose
/ˈpɹəʊz/ name, noun, verb
name, noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Language, particularly written language, not intended as poetry.
- Grammar: prose is listed as name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: banality, bromide, causerie, chat.
- Useful contrasts: heroic lay, homeric epic, lyrical piece.
- Usage evidence: That poem mixes prose with poetry.
How to use "prose"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "prose" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "prose" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "prose" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "prose" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "prose" is acting as name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "banality" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "prose", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Language, particularly written language, not intended as poetry. uncountable, usually
"Though known mostly for her prose, she also produced a small body of excellent poems."
- 2 ordinary writing as distinguished from verse wordnet
- 3 Language which evinces little imagination or animation; dull and commonplace discourse. uncountable, usually
"...the vehicle is plodding prose, but the effect is none the less poignant. And in regard to this I may say that in a hundred places in Trollope the extremity of pathos is reached by the homeliest means."
- 4 matter of fact, commonplace, or dull expression wordnet
- 5 A hymn with no regular meter, sometimes introduced into the Mass. uncountable, usually
"Proses are parts of the Office of the Mass which are sung just before the Gospel, upon great Festivals. The French also call those Rhythmical Hymns Proses, which are sung in their Offices in the Church of Rome, in which Rhime only, and not Quantity of Syllables, is observed."
Verb
- 1 To write or repeat in a dull, tedious, or prosy way.
"Pray, do not prose, good Ethelbert, but speak; What is your purpose?"
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname from German.
Antonyms
heroic layhomeric epiclyrical piecelyrical poem
Example
"That poem mixes prose with poetry."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "prose"?
Common synonyms include: banality, bromide, causerie, chat, chestnut, chin.
How do you use "prose" in a sentence?
That poem mixes prose with poetry.
How do you pronounce "prose"?
Pronounced /ˈpɹəʊz/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English prose, from Old French prose, from Latin prōsa (“straightforward”) from the term prōsa ōrātiō (“a straightforward speech – i.e. without the ornaments of verse”). further etymology and related terms The term prōsa (“straightforward”), a colloquial form of prorsa (“straight forwards”), the feminine form prorsus (“straight forwards”), from Old Latin prōvorsus (“moving straight ahead”), from pro- (“forward”) + vorsus (“turned”), form of vertō (“I turn”). Compare verse.
Etymology 2
Borrowed from German Pröse, from a short form of the personal name Ambrose.