Meaning & Definition of word "Prodigal"
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Prodigal
/ˈprɒdɪɡəl/
noun:
- 1. A person who spends money in an extravagant and wasteful way.
- Example: After years of living as a prodigal, he returned home with nothing.
adjective:
- 1. Spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.
- Example: The prodigal nature of his spending led him to financial ruin.
- 2. Having or giving something on a lavish scale.
- Example: The prodigal feast was something everyone in the town talked about for weeks.
Etymology
From Middle English prodigal, from Old French prodigal, from Latin prodigus, meaning ‘wasteful’.
Common Phrases and Expressions
prodigal son:
A term used to denote someone who wastes resources and then returns, often seeking forgiveness.
Related Words
wasteful:
spending or using resources carelessly
extravagant:
lacking restraint in spending money or using resources
lavish:
sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious
Slang Meanings of prodigal
Meaning: Money-burner
Example Sentence: He acts like a money-burner, always showing off his prodigal lifestyle.
Meaning: Big spender
Example Sentence: He's a big spender at the clubs, making him the prodigal of our group.