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profuse Definition

pro·fuse (prō fyo̵̅o̅s′, prə-)

adjective

  1. giving or pouring forth freely; generous, often to excess: usually with in profuse in her apologies
  2. given or poured forth freely and abundantly

Etymology: ME < L profusus, pp. of profundere, to pour out < pro-, forth + fundere, to pour: see pro- & found

profuse Related Forms
pro·fuse′ly adverb pro·fuse′·ness noun
profuse Synonyms

profuse

modif.

abundant, extravagant, lavish, liberal, prodigal, bountiful, overflowing, luxuriant, lush, plentiful, copious, prolific, in profusion, generous, free, munificent, unstinting, profligate, wasteful, overliberal, overgenerous, excessive; see also plentiful 1, 2, wasteful.

profuse implies a pouring or giving forth freely, often to the point of excess profuse thanks; lavish implies an unstinted, generous, sometimes unreasonably liberal, giving lavish attentions; extravagant always suggests unreasonably excessive, wasteful spending or giving extravagant living; prodigal implies such reckless extravagance as to suggest eventual impoverishment the prodigal heirs to a fortune; luxuriant suggests production in great and rich abundance luxuriant foliage; lush implies such great luxuriance as my seem excessive lush tropical vegetation, lush prose See also syn. study at plentiful.

profuse Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • perspiration: No wonder that dancing and profuse perspiration were esteemed a necessary adjunct to feeding!
  • apology: I remember sending out a memo of profuse apology to all the parents!
  • bleeding: Her tail was injured through working in rough cover and profuse bleeding has coated her flanks.
  • diarrhea: The onset is usually abrupt with fever followed by vomiting, abdominal pain and profuse diarrhea.
  • growth: A garden spot, surrounded by a profuse growth of shrubbery.
  • thank: All using them should join me in extending Alexei their profuse thanks.

Modifying Another Word

  • so: I do not agree with flailing the hedgerows, but summer growth is so profuse.
  • very: The ancient writers have been very profuse in their praises of this celebrated Prince.
  • too: The tower system appeared in some parts of the coast to be too scanty, in others too profuse.
  • also: Après-ski activities are also profuse, with bars and discos providing plenty of lively entertainment.

Used with adjective complement

  • become: Churches became more profuse in decoration, better lit and more lavish in their proportions.
  • have: They have profuse, fragrant, bright golden yellow, spherical, fluffy flowerheads, 5mm ( 0.25in ) across.