Profluent

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈpɹɒfluənt/

Definitions

1. Having a continuous and flowing nature that suggests abundance or overindulgence
2. Indicative of a rich or generous flow, often implying an excess or unrestrained quality
3. Characterized by an unbroken and plentiful flow that conveys a sense of abundance

Etymology: "Profluent" is a rare, formal adjective that describes speech or writing flowing smoothly and abundantly, or water and other liquids moving freely. Its story begins in Latin, where "profluens" was the present participle of "profluere," meaning "to flow forth." That verb combined "pro-," meaning "forward" or "forth," with "fluere," "to flow," the same root that gives English words such as "fluid," "fluent," and "influence." The Latin verb was built to describe a stream pouring out from its source, and English kept that picture of movement while using the word mainly for speech and writing. A "profluent" speaker is one whose words pour out without hesitation. Because the word draws directly on its Latin parts, it reads as more learned than its close relative "fluent," which entered English through French and has become the everyday choice.

Synonyms: abundant, copious

Antonyms: scant, meager