prose
2 antonyms and opposites of prose, grouped by meaning.
Noun — Ordinary written or spoken language, as opposed to poetry.
Antonyms
How to use prose
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French prose, from Latin prosa, short for prosa oratio ("straightforward speech"), meaning language without the patterns and ornament of verse.
Full origin of prose →Frequently asked questions
What does “prose” mean?
The word “prose” means ordinary written or spoken language, as opposed to poetry. In plain terms, regular written or spoken language, as opposed to poetry with its rhyme and meter.
How do you pronounce “prose”?
“Prose” is pronounced PROHZ (/ˈpɹoʊz/ in IPA).
How do you use “prose” in a sentence?
Here is “prose” used in a sentence: “The novel is written in clear, simple prose.”
What is the opposite of “prose”?
The opposite of “prose” — its antonyms — are poetry and verse.
What part of speech is “prose”?
Depending on how it is used, “prose” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “prose” come from?
The word “prose” comes from Latin. From Old French prose, from Latin prosa, short for prosa oratio ("straightforward speech"), meaning language without the patterns and ornament of verse.
Is “prose” a common word?
“Prose” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “prose” have?
“Prose” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: ordinary written or spoken language, as opposed to poetry.
What is the difference between prose and poetry?
Prose is ordinary written or spoken language structured in sentences and paragraphs, without the deliberate rhythm, meter, or line breaks that define poetry. Novels, essays, news articles, and everyday speech are all written in prose.
What is meant by prose fiction?
Prose fiction refers to imaginative storytelling, such as novels and short stories, written in ordinary sentence form rather than verse. It contrasts with poetic forms like epic poems, which tell stories using meter and line structure.
Why is the verb 'prose' considered old-fashioned?
The verb sense of prose, meaning to write or speak in a dull, long-winded way, is rarely used in modern English and sounds formal or literary. Most speakers today only use prose as a noun for ordinary written or spoken language.