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prodigal

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The definition of prodigal is spending money carelessly and foolishly.

(adjective)

An example of prodigal is buying very expensive cars and homes.

Prodigal is a person who left home, often under bad terms, and who then has a long-awaited and much celebrated return home.

(noun)

An example of prodigal is a son who comes home to make peace with his father after a ten year fight.

See prodigal in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

exceedingly or recklessly wasteful
extremely generous; lavish: prodigal with one's praise
extremely abundant; profuse

Origin: MFr < L prodigus, prodigal < prodigere, to drive forth or away, waste < pro-, forth + agere, to drive: see pro- & act

noun

a person who wastes his means; spendthrift

Related Forms:

prodigality noun pl. prodigalities
prodigally adverb

See prodigal in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Rashly or wastefully extravagant: prodigal expenditures on unneeded weaponry; a prodigal life.
Giving or given in abundance; lavish or profuse: prodigal praise. See Synonyms at profuse.

noun

One who is given to wasteful luxury or extravagance.

Origin:

Origin: Probably back-formation from prodigality

Related Forms:

prodˈi·gal·ly adverb

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