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profuse
6 dictionary results for: profuse
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
pro·fuse       [pruh-fyoos] Pronunciation Key
–adjective
1.spending or giving freely and in large amount, often to excess; extravagant (often fol. by in): profuse praise.
2.made or done freely and abundantly: profuse apologies.
3.abundant; in great amount.

[Origin: 1375–1425; late ME < L profūsus, ptp. of profundere to pour out or forth. See pro-1, fuse2]

pro·fuse·ly, adverb
pro·fuse·ness, noun

1. See lavish. 3. See ample.
1. thrifty.
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
pro·fuse       (prə-fyōōs', prō-)  Pronunciation Key 
adj.  
  1. Plentiful; copious.
  2. Giving or given freely and abundantly; extravagant: were profuse in their compliments.


[Middle English, lavish, from Latin profūsus, past participle of profundere, to pour forth : pro-, forth; see pro-1 + fundere, to pour; see gheu- in Indo-European roots.]

pro·fuse'ly adv., pro·fuse'ness n.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean marked by unrestrained abundance: profuse apologies; an exuberant growth of moss; lavish praise; lush vegetation; luxuriant hair; a prodigal party giver; an artist's riotous use of color.
Antonym: spare

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
profuse 
1432, from L. profusus "spread out, lavish, extravagant," lit. "poured forth," prop. pp. of profundere "pour forth," from pro- "forth" + fundere "to pour" (see found (2)). Profusion is first attested 1545, from L. profusionem (nom. profusio) "a pouring out," from profusus.

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
profuse

adjective
produced or growing in extreme abundance; "their riotous blooming" [syn: exuberant

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Profuse

Pro*fuse"\, a. [L. profusus, p. p. of profundere to pour forth or out; pro forward, forth + fundere to pour: cf. F. profus. See Fuse to melt.]

1. Pouring forth with fullness or exuberance; bountiful; exceedingly liberal; giving without stint; as, a profuse government; profuse hospitality.

A green, shady bank, profuse of flowers. --Milton.

2. Superabundant; excessive; prodigal; lavish; as, profuse expenditure. "Profuse ornament." --Kames.

Syn: Lavish; exuberant; bountiful; prodigal; extravagant.

Usage: Profuse, Lavish, Prodigal. Profuse denotes pouring out (as money, etc.) with great fullness or freeness; as, profuse in his expenditures, thanks, promises, etc. Lavish is stronger, implying unnecessary or wasteful excess; as, lavish of his bounties, favors, praises, etc. Prodigal is stronger still, denoting unmeasured or reckless profusion; as, prodigal of one's strength, life, or blood, to secure some object. --Dryden.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Profuse

Pro*fuse"\, v. t. To pour out; to give or spend liberally; to lavish; to squander. [Obs.] --Chapman.

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