adj
C2
Proficient
prostrate
PROST-rayt
Prostrate (adj) means lying flat on the ground, typically face down. Example: “The monks lay prostrate before the altar.”
adj
1
Lying flat on the ground, typically face down.
"The monks lay prostrate before the altar."
"He found her prostrate on the kitchen floor after the fall."
2
Overwhelmed emotionally or physically; utterly exhausted or defeated.
"She was left prostrate with grief after the funeral."
verb
1
To throw oneself face down, especially in submission or worship.
"Pilgrims prostrate themselves before the shrine."
How to use prostrate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLying flat face-down, often out of exhaustion, grief, or submission.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "prostate," the male gland — completely different word despite the similar spelling.
Easily confused with
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like prostrate.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- prostrates
- Past tense
- prostrated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The monks lay _____ before the altar.
Etymology
From Latin prōstrātus, the past participle of prōsternō, "to throw down in front."
Related words
Rhymes for prostrate
See all rhymes for prostrate →Frequently asked questions
What does “prostrate” mean?
The word “prostrate” means lying flat on the ground, typically face down. In plain terms, lying flat face-down, often out of exhaustion, grief, or submission.
How do you pronounce “prostrate”?
“Prostrate” is pronounced PROST-rayt (/ˈpɹɑstɹeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “prostrate” in a sentence?
Here is “prostrate” used in a sentence: “The monks lay prostrate before the altar.”
What part of speech is “prostrate”?
Depending on how it is used, “prostrate” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “prostrate” come from?
The word “prostrate” comes from Latin. From Latin prōstrātus, the past participle of prōsternō, "to throw down in front.".
How many meanings does “prostrate” have?
“Prostrate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: lying flat on the ground, typically face down.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include prostrate:
