| profuse | 1. Pouring forth with fullness or exuberance; bountiful; exceedingly liberal; giving without stint; as, a profuse government; profuse hospitality. "A green, shady bank, profuse of flowers." (Milton) 2. Superabundant; excessive; prodigal; lavish; as, profuse expenditure. "Profuse ornament." Synonym: Lavish, exuberant, bountiful, prodigal, extravagant. Profuse, Lavish, Prodigal. Profuse denotes pouring out (as money, etc) with great fullness or freeness; as, profuse in his expenditures, thanks, promises, etc. Lavish is stronger, implying unnecessary or wasteful excess; as, lavish of his bounties, favors, praises, etc. Prodigal is stronger still, denoting unmeasured or reckless profusion; as, prodigal of one's strength, life, or blood, to secure some object. Origin: L. Profusus, p. P. Of profundere to pour forth or out; pro forward, forth + fundere to pour: cf. F. Profus. See Fuse to melt. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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