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V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary


prodigal

adjective, noun

Definition: (adj.) 1. wasteful, especially with money; 2. lavish and excessive; 3. being generous and giving abundantly; (n.) a person who is wasteful with money, especially that of their parents

Synonyms: (adj.) wasteful, extravagant, lavish, reckless, enormous, exaggerated, excessive, (n.) spender

Antonyms: (adj.) meager, moderate, frugal

Tips: Prodigal is derived from the Latin prodigus, which means "wasteful." In order to remember the word, it may be helpful to think of the famous parable of the prodigal son. In it, a son asks his father for money so that he can leave home. He spends all the money wastefully and, feeling sorry, returns to his father.

Usage Examples:

The prodigal returned home; he was penniless and sorry for his wasteful spending. (spender) noun

Many people in our society live a prodigal life, throwing things out and buying new things at an alarming rate. (wasteful, lavish) adjective

It was interesting that the play was given such prodigal praise by the critics, because it was really not that great. (exaggerated, excessive) adjective

The rapper MC Hammer was well-known for his prodigal lifestyle, which eventually caused him to file for bankruptcy. (extravagant, lavish) adjective


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