English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
To increase rapidly in number or spread quickly.
"Social media has allowed misinformation to proliferate."
A rapid increase or spread of something, especially in number or amount.
"The proliferation of smartphones has changed the way we communicate."
producing many works, results, or offspring; highly productive
"She is a prolific writer who publishes several books a year."
using too many words; tediously lengthy
"The professor’s prolix lecture put many students to sleep."
the quality of being tediously wordy and long
"The book’s prolixity made it difficult to read in one sitting."
an introduction to a book, play, or event
"The novel begins with a short prologue set in the past."
to make something last longer; to extend in time
"The treatment helped to prolong the patient’s life."
Something that continues for longer than normal
"Prolonged sleep deprivation affects overall well-being."
A leisurely walk or stroll, especially in a public place for pleasure or display.
"They went for a promenade along the seaside."
The state of being important, famous, or easily noticed.
"Her work gained prominence after the award."
Important, famous, or easily noticeable.
"He is a prominent leader in the community."
Having or showing a casual and unselective approach, often used to describe indiscriminate sexual relationships.
"The novel depicts a character with a promiscuous lifestyle."
a statement that one will definitely do something or that something will happen
"I made a promise to help her with the project."
showing signs of future success or potential
"She is a promising young scientist with great ideas."
Containing or conveying a promise, especially in writing.
"He signed a promissory note to repay the loan."
A high point of land or rock projecting into a body of water.
"The lighthouse stood on a promontory overlooking the sea."
To support or encourage the growth, sale, or acceptance of something.
"The company worked hard to promote its new product."
A person or organization that helps to organize or finance an event, business, or product launch.
"The promoter organized a concert for the new band."
To support or actively encourage a cause, venture, or aim; to help or encourage the progress or development of something.
"Promoting education can significantly improve children's lives."
the act of raising someone to a higher position or of marketing something to increase sales or awareness
"The company announced a big promotion campaign for their new product."
To cause someone to take action; done without delay.
"His speech prompted the audience to ask questions."
To announce or make a law, decree, or idea officially known.
"The government promulgated new regulations on data privacy."
likely to suffer from or experience something, especially something unfortunate
"He is prone to headaches when he works too long."
a projecting pointed part, such as one of the pointed ends of a fork
"The fork has four prongs."
to say words correctly; to declare officially
"She can pronounce French words perfectly."
very noticeable or strongly marked
"There is a pronounced difference between the two styles."
the way a word or language is spoken; the act or result of pronouncing words
"Her pronunciation of French words has improved significantly."
evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement
"The detective presented proof of the suspect's guilt."
to read written material and mark any errors
"She proofread the report before submission."
an object used on stage by actors during a performance; something that supports or holds up
"The actor forgot his prop on stage."
Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view.
"The regime spread propaganda to control public opinion."
To spread or transmit an idea, belief, or information widely; also to reproduce in plants or animals.
"Scientists work to propagate the species in captivity."
The action of spreading and promoting an idea, theory, etc.
"The propagation of ideas through social media is rapid."
To drive or push something forward.
"The engine propels the boat through the water."
A substance that drives or pushes something forward, especially fuel in rockets or engines.
"The rocket uses a liquid propellant to launch into space."
A mechanical device with blades that rotates to drive a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle forward.
"The airplane’s propeller cut through the air with great speed."
a natural tendency or inclination to behave in a particular way
"She has a propensity to trust people too easily."
conforming to accepted standards of behavior or morality
"He made sure to wear proper attire for the interview."
in the correct or suitable manner
"He performed the task properly to avoid mistakes."
a thing or things that belong to someone; possessions or real estate
"The old mansion is his family’s property."
a prediction or message about the future, often believed to be divinely inspired
"The prophecy foretold the rise of a great leader."
to state or predict that something will happen in the future, especially as if divinely inspired
"The monk prophesied that peace would return to the land."
accurately predicting or describing what will happen in the future
"His prophetic words came true after many years."
intended to prevent disease or an unwanted outcome; protective
"The doctor prescribed a prophylactic treatment to prevent infection."
the state of being close to someone or something; proximity
"The propinquity of their houses made them close friends."
to win or regain the favor of someone by doing something that pleases them
"He offered gifts to propitiate the angry gods."
giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable
"The sunny weather was a propitious start to the picnic."
a person who advocates for or supports a particular idea, cause, or plan
"She is a strong proponent of renewable energy."
a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole
"The proportion of students passing the exam was high."
Corresponding in size, degree, or intensity; balanced in relation.
"The punishment should be proportionate to the crime."