prose Meaning, Definition & Usage

Prose noun

Etymology

F. prose, L. prosa, fr. prorsus, prosus, straight forward, straight on, for proversus; pro forward + versus, p. p. of vertere to turn. See Verse.

Definitions

1. The ordinary language of men in speaking or writing; language not cast in poetical measure or rhythm; -- contradistinguished from verse, or metrical composition.

   I speak in prose, and let him rymes make. Chaucer.

   Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme. Milton.

   I wish our clever young poets would remember my homely definitions of prose and poetry, that is; prose -- words in their best order; poetry -- the best order. Coleridge.

2. Hence, language which evinces little imagination or animation; dull and commonplace discourse.
3. (R. C. Ch.) A hymn with no regular meter, sometimes introduced into the Mass. See Sequence.

Prose adjective

Definitions

1. Pertaining to, or composed of, prose; not in verse; as, prose composition.
2. Possessing or exhibiting unpoetical characteristics; plain; dull; prosaic; as, the prose duties of life.

Prose transitive verb

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Prosed ; present participle & verbal noun Prosing

Definitions

1. To write in prose.
2. To write or repeat in a dull, tedious, or prosy way.

Prose intransitive verb

Definitions

1. To write prose.

   Prosing or versing, but chiefly this latter. Milton.