prolix

[ proh-liks, proh-liks ]

adjective

1. extended to great, unnecessary, or tedious length; long and wordy.

   Synonyms: verbose, protracted

2. (of a person) given to speaking or writing at great or tedious length.

   Synonyms: verbose

prolix

/ ˈprəʊlɪks; prəʊˈlɪks /

adjective

1. (of a speech, book, etc) so long as to be boring; verbose
2. indulging in prolix speech or writing; long-winded

Derived Forms

• proˈlixly, adverb
• proˈlixity, noun

Other Words From

• pro·lix·i·ty [proh-, lik, -si-tee], pro·lix·ness noun
• pro·lix·ly adverb
• o·ver·pro·lix adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolix¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin prōlixus “extended, long,” equivalent to prō- pro- ¹ + -lixus, akin to līquī “to flow”; liquor

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolix¹

C15: from Latin prōlixus stretched out widely, from pro- ¹+ līquī to flow

Synonym Study

See wordy.

Example Sentences

In 1949, a young American artist named Ray Johnson left Black Mountain College near Asheville, N.C., moved to New York City and began to explore his prolix talents, both visual and verbal.

From New York Times

On one especially prolix ballad, “Blind,” she lets her lyrics fly fast and furious, only half-apologizing for being “raunchy like Bob Saget” before outlining how toxic romances erode self-worth.

From Washington Post

It’s hard to imagine a more committed recording; but if there are moments in the first three movements when Rott’s promise truly shines through, there’s nothing Hrusa can do for the absurdly prolix finale.

From New York Times

She added, in a prolix sentence that nonetheless makes its point, “Or is it actually that the sense of achievement his work self-consciously carries with it itself carries less credibility than it used to?”

From New York Times

He wasn’t a particularly gifted or prolix orator.

From Washington Times