prolixity

UK: /prəˈlɪk.sɪ.ti/ | US: /proʊˈlɪk.sə.ti/

Definition

  1. n. the quality of using too many words; wordiness or verbosity

  2. n. (archaic) lengthiness or tediousness in speech or writing

Structure
pro <forward>lix <to flow>ity <noun suffix>pro <forward>lix <to flow>ity <noun suffix>
Etymology

prolixity = pro<forward> + lix<to flow> + ity<noun suffix>

  1. pro<forward>: From Latin pro- ("forward, forth"). Implies extension or excess.
  2. lix<to flow>: From Latin liquere ("to flow"), via Old French prolixe ("lengthy"). Suggests a continuous, unchecked stream.
  3. ity<noun suffix>: Forms abstract nouns indicating a state or quality (e.g., "clarity," "diversity").

Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin prolixus ("extended, copious"), combining pro- (forward) and liquere (to flow). Originally described literal fluidity, later metaphorically for speech/writing that "flows excessively." The suffix -ity formalized the abstract noun in Middle English, emphasizing the trait of verbosity.

Examples

  1. The professor's prolixity made the lecture exhausting to follow.

  2. Legal documents often suffer from unnecessary prolixity.

  3. Her essay was marked down for prolixity despite its insightful content.

  4. He edited the manuscript to eliminate prolixity and improve clarity.

  5. The politician's prolixity failed to conceal the lack of substantive ideas.