PRODIGAL Meaning and
Definition
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The term "prodigal" is an adjective that originated from the Latin word prodigus, which means "wasteful" or "extravagant." It is used to describe someone who recklessly spends money, time, or resources in a frivolous or extravagant manner. A person characterized as prodigal often displays an irresponsible attitude towards their possessions, often squandering them without considering the consequences.
Furthermore, "prodigal" extends beyond mere material wastefulness to encompass a broader sense of recklessness and indulgence. It can refer to someone who engages in excessive or extravagant behavior, often exhibiting a lack of self-control or restraint. This can include excessive partying, impulsive decision-making, or an extravagant lifestyle with little regard for moderation.
It is worth noting that the term "prodigal" can also evoke a sense of regret or remorse, stemming from its biblical origins. In the Christian Bible, the Parable of the Prodigal Son tells the story of a wayward son who squanders his inheritance before realizing his mistakes and returning to his father seeking forgiveness. Therefore, "prodigal" can also connote a sense of repentance or redemption, describing an individual who renounces their wasteful behavior and returns to a path of responsibility and moderation.
In summary, "prodigal" describes an individual who spends extravagantly or wastefully, displaying a lack of self-control or responsibility. It can encompass reckless behavior in various domains such as financial, temporal, or moral, and may also allude to potential repentance and transformation.
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• Given to reckless or unnecessary expenditure, as of money, strength, &c.; lavish; profusely liberal; not frugal.
• One who is profuse and lavish; a waster; a spendthrift.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PRODIGAL *
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Other Common Misspellings for PRODIGAL
Etymology of PRODIGAL
The word "prodigal" comes from the Latin word "prodigus", which means "lavish" or "extravagant". It is derived from the verb "prodigere", meaning "to drive away" or "waste". The Latin term itself was formed by combining the prefix "pro-", meaning "forth", and "agere", meaning "to drive". In the context of the parable of the prodigal son from the Bible, which is often associated with the word, "prodigal" refers to someone who recklessly squanders their wealth. However, over time, the word has also gained a broader, metaphorical sense, referring to someone who is wasteful or extravagant in any form.
Idioms with the word PRODIGAL
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the prodigal son
The idiom "the prodigal son" refers to someone who has returned after a period of being mischievous, extravagant, or wasteful. The expression is derived from the Biblical parable of the prodigal son, which depicts a wayward son who squanders his inheritance on a lavish lifestyle before eventually repenting and returning home to his family. The idiom is often used to describe someone who has experienced a period of self-destructive behavior but has since reformed or changed their ways.
Similar spelling words for PRODIGAL
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