Concept in Definition ABC

This word has two meanings. On the one hand, prosaic is that which has relationship with prose, that is, the most common way of expressing oneself and that is opposed to the verse. In a second sense, prosaic indicates that something is vulgar, uninteresting, bland and excessively conventional. Regarding its etymology, it comes from the Latin prosaicus and originally referred to prose as opposed to poetry.

Poetic language vs prosaic language

In relation to the language, poetry is associated with beauty and originality and, consequently, nonpoetic language (prose) is valued as a form of expression more common and less attractive.

Verse and prose are two ways of expressing ideas. Poetic language presents a dimension and some unique characteristics: a sense of rhythm, the use of figures rhetorical (for example, the metaphor), a certain intonation to emphasize the words, a symbolism and, ultimately, a use of words with expressiveness, lyricism and richness. On the contrary, prosaic language is more direct and precise, as its purpose is to convey ideas effectively.

Despite these differences between one form of expression and another, it should not be understood that the poetic is better or worse than the prosaic. Actually, these are two different approaches to language, but they can be compatible (there are poems with a prosaic style and written in prose with elements typical of poetry).

The use of one language or another will depend on the context and the intention of the speaker. So, if we talk about love or from feelings deep, prosaic language is inappropriate and, conversely, if we want to explain an event rigorously and objectively (for example, a traffic accident) the poetic style is totally unfair.

Something or someone with little interest

A way of speaking, a person or a way of living can be described as prosaic. Thus, if someone speaks without saying anything interesting, using clichés and with a lack of originality, it can be said that he has a prosaic speech.

If a person is boring and monotonous and his life in general is very little stimulating, it could be said that he is someone with a prosaic existence. Consequently, the prosaic is everything that manifests itself in a vulgar, simple, conventional and bland way. Some synonyms for prosaic are coarse, unhealthy, mediocre, or ordinary.

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