prosaic

IPA

Dictionary definition of prosaic

Ordinary, mundane, and characterized by a lack of imagination or poetic beauty.
"His speech was prosaic and failed to engage the audience."

Detailed meaning of prosaic

When we characterize something as prosaic, we emphasize its plain and unremarkable nature, suggesting that it lacks the charm or elegance that often accompanies more creative or artistic expressions. Prosaic language or writing is typically straightforward and matter-of-fact, devoid of the figurative language or vivid imagery that can make text more engaging or evocative. Similarly, a prosaic landscape or scene may lack the scenic beauty or picturesque qualities that make it visually appealing. This term conveys a sense of commonality and a dearth of lyrical or elevated qualities, making it synonymous with the everyday or the mundane. "Prosaic" is often used to describe things that are functional and practical but may lack a sense of beauty or artistry.

Example sentences containing prosaic

1. His prosaic writing style lacked the grace and beauty of poetry, opting for a straightforward approach.
2. The city's skyline was disappointingly prosaic, dominated by cookie-cutter buildings that lacked architectural creativity.
3. The mundane chores, like washing dishes and doing laundry, made her day seem overly prosaic and routine.
4. The movie's prosaic dialogue failed to captivate viewers, with characters uttering dull and everyday phrases.
5. The restaurant's menu offered prosaic dishes, with no unique or exotic culinary creations to tempt diners.
6. The office environment was depressingly prosaic, with sterile cubicles and a lack of vibrant decor.

History and etymology of prosaic

The adjective 'prosaic' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'prosa,' which means 'prose' or 'ordinary speech or writing.' Originally, 'prosaic' referred to something written in a straightforward, non-poetic manner, such as ordinary prose as opposed to the more elevated and imaginative style of poetry. Over time, it evolved to describe anything that is ordinary, mundane, and characterized by a lack of imagination or poetic beauty. This evolution highlights the idea that 'prosaic' characterizes things as being in the realm of the everyday and lacking the vividness and artistic qualities often associated with poetry. Thus, the etymology of 'prosaic' underscores its use as an adjective to convey the notion of something being ordinary and unremarkable, devoid of imaginative or poetic elements.

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Further usage examples of prosaic

1. The novel's plot was disappointingly prosaic, following a predictable narrative path without any twists or intrigue.
2. Her wardrobe consisted mainly of prosaic, everyday attire like jeans and plain t-shirts.
3. The meeting was filled with prosaic discussions about budget and logistics, lacking any innovative ideas.
4. The music's prosaic melodies lacked emotional depth, failing to evoke any strong feelings in the listeners.
5. The speech was overly prosaic, delivering facts and figures without any inspirational or motivational elements.
6. The artist's work was criticized as being too prosaic, lacking the abstract and imaginative qualities of true art.
7. The party's decorations were bland and prosaic, with no creative or exciting elements to liven up the ambiance.
8. The news was filled with prosaic headlines, reporting on routine events with no element of surprise or excitement.
9. The daily commute felt prosaic, as it consisted of the same route and routine tasks day after day.
10. The website's design was prosaic and unappealing, featuring a basic layout and uninspired graphics.
11. The poet's prosaic verses lacked poetic depth, using straightforward language that didn't resonate with readers.
12. The garden had a prosaic layout, with neatly arranged rows of common flowers and plants, lacking artistic flair.
13. The lecture was surprisingly prosaic, delivering factual information but failing to engage intellectually.
14. The vacation spot turned out to be prosaic, with generic tourist attractions and no sense of charm or uniqueness.
15. His explanation was overly prosaic, offering a dry and uncreative description of the topic.
16. The town's architecture was prosaic and uninspiring, featuring simple and functional buildings but lacking aesthetic appeal.
17. The classroom had a prosaic atmosphere, with students going through their lessons without any enthusiasm or excitement.
18. The scientist's report was overly prosaic, presenting data and findings without any passion or innovative insights.
19. The conversation remained prosaic, sticking to shallow and uninteresting topics without delving into deeper discussions.
20. The food at the restaurant was prosaic, offering traditional dishes with no exotic or gourmet options.
21. The party's entertainment was prosaic, featuring the same games and activities seen at every other gathering.
22. The city's public art was criticized as being too prosaic, lacking the abstract and thought-provoking qualities of true artistic expression.
23. The proposal was overly prosaic, presenting practical ideas but lacking visionary concepts or creative solutions.
24. The music playlist was filled with prosaic songs, featuring popular tracks but no innovative or unique selections.