profuse

[ pruh-fyoos, proh‐ ]

adjective

1. spending or giving freely and in large amount, often to excess; extravagant (often followed by in ):

   profuse praise.

   Antonyms: thrifty

2. made or done freely and abundantly:

   profuse apologies.

3. abundant; in great amount.

profuse

/ prəˈfjuːs /

adjective

1. plentiful, copious, or abundant

   profuse compliments

2. often foll by in free or generous in the giving (of)

   profuse in thanks

Derived Forms

• proˈfusely, adverb
• proˈfuseness, noun

Other Words From

• pro·fuse·ly adverb
• pro·fuse·ness noun
• un·pro·fuse adjective
• un·pro·fuse·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of profuse¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin profūsus, past participle of profundere “to pour out or forth”; pro- ¹, fuse ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of profuse¹

C15: from Latin profundere to pour lavishly

Synonym Study

See lavish. See ample.

Example Sentences

Dodgers officials, however, have been profuse in their praise of Betts since the start of the season.

From Los Angeles Times

South Africa is Africa’s most advanced country but has struggled to solve a profuse inequality that has kept millions in poverty three decades after the segregation of apartheid ended.

From Seattle Times

But two hours and a profuse apology later, one council member said that not only a council president had been chosen, but a prime minister as well.

From Seattle Times

Their results demonstrated that the increase in biomass was due to improved photosynthesis and a delicate balancing of life cycle transition between diffuse and profuse growth depending on nitrogen and carbon availability.

From Science Daily

The successful negotiations for the Americans’ freedom brought Biden profuse thanks from their families but heat from Republican presidential rivals and other opponents for the monetary arrangement with one of America’s top adversaries.

From Washington Times