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

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."

Overwhelmed emotionally or physically; utterly exhausted or defeated.

"She was left prostrate with grief after the funeral."

verb

To throw oneself face down, especially in submission or worship.

"Pilgrims prostrate themselves before the shrine."

How to use prostrate

Learner’s notes

In 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

prostate →

Word forms

prostrated past tense, prostrates singular

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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."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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bow down

Rhymes for prostrate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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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.

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C2 vocabulary words