prolific
UK: /prəˈlɪf.ɪk/ | US: /prəˈlɪf.ɪk/
adj. producing many works, results, or offspring; highly productive
adj. abundant or fruitful in creation or growth
prolific = pro<forward> + lif<to bear> + ic<adjective suffix>
- pro (Latin prō-): "forward," implying abundance or advancement.
- lif (Latin -fer, -fic from ferre): "to bear" or "to produce."
- ic (Latin -icus): adjective-forming suffix indicating "related to."
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin proles (offspring) + -ficus (making), prolificus originally meant "capable of producing offspring." The term evolved in English (17th century) to broadly signify high productivity, whether in art, ideas, or biology. The morpheme pro- emphasizes forward momentum, while -lif ties to fertility, creating a vivid image of overflowing creativity or reproduction.
The prolific author published three novels in a single year.
Apple trees in this region are prolific, yielding abundant fruit.
His prolific career spanned over 50 groundbreaking inventions.
The artist’s prolific output filled galleries worldwide.
Rabbits are known for being prolific breeders.