prosperity
prahs-PER-uh-tee
/prɒˈsperəti/
The state of being prosperous; financial success, good fortune, and economic well-being.
Implies enduring financial health, high quality of life, and general economic abundance across a society.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'prosperitas', coming from 'prosperus', literally 'according to one's hope' (combining 'pro-' meaning for, and 'spes' meaning hope). It described a life unfolding favorably according to hopes and wishes, eventually becoming synonymous with financial flourishing.
Word relationships
- affluence: Affluence highlights personal monetary wealth, while prosperity encompasses broad socio-economic flourishing.
- wealth: Wealth focuses strictly on accumulated monetary assets; prosperity includes general well-being and security.
- poverty: Poverty is the condition of lacking basic material wealth and resources.
- hardship: Hardship describes severe suffering or economic deprivation.
Commonly confused with
- posterity: Prosperity means financial abundance and success; posterity means future generations.
Word family
- prosper (verb): To succeed financially; flourish.
- prosperous (adjective): Successful in material terms; flourishing financially.
Collocations
- economic prosperity
- shared prosperity
- unprecedented prosperity
- path to prosperity
Example sentences
- "Strategic investment in education and clean technology generated lasting economic prosperity for the nation." National address on economy
- "The post-war era was characterized by unprecedented consumer prosperity and rising living standards." Historical analysis
Memory hook
PROSPERITY = PRO (for) + SPES (hope) -> Hope coming true in wealth! Prosperity = Wealth meeting your hopes.
When not to use
Do not use for brief, fleeting moments of luck or isolated small cash wins.
Fun facts
- The popular Star Trek greeting 'Live long and prosper' echoes ancient Latin blessings that wished friends long life and 'prosperitas'.
Related words
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