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prose

PROHZ /proʊz/

nounadjectiveB2GRESATACTUPSC

LiteraryAcademicGeneral

Written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical or poetic structure.

Represents straightforward, everyday, or narrative writing, as opposed to poetry or verse.

The story behind the word. The Latin phrase 'prosa oratio' literally meant 'straightforward speech'. 'Prosa' developed from 'provorsa', which meant 'turned forward' or 'direct'. Unlike poetry, which twists and turns to fit a meter, prose goes straight forward.

Word relationships

writing: Writing is a general term, whereas prose specifically excludes poetry.
speech: Speech is spoken, while prose can be either spoken or written, but always lacks poetic meter.

poetry: Poetry uses metrical structure, rhythm, and rhyme, which prose deliberately avoids.
verse: Verse is writing arranged with a metrical rhythm, typically having a rhyme scheme.

Commonly confused with

pose: A pose is a physical posture or stance, completely unrelated to prose.

Word family

prosaic (adjective): Dull, commonplace, or lacking poetic beauty.

Collocations

elegant prose
purple prose
narrative prose
prose style

Example sentences

"My word! For more than forty years I have been speaking prose without knowing it!" A classic comedic realization from a famous French play.
"Her prose was so elegant and clear that even the most complex scientific theories became easy to understand." A literary review praising a novelist's style.

Memory hook

Prose is 'pros' (professionals) writing straight to the point, unlike poets who twist words. Straightforward speech.

When not to use

Do not use when referring to poetry, lyrics, or highly structured rhythmic verse.

Fun facts

The term 'purple prose' refers to writing that is so ornate, flowery, and dramatic that it becomes distracting and self-indulgent.