adj.
Pronunciation: pr ə - ' fyüs, pr ō -
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin profusus, past participle of profundere to pour forth, from pro- forth + fundere to pour ― more at FOUND
Date: 15th century
1 : pouring forth liberally : EXTRAVAGANT < profuse in their thanks>
2 : exhibiting great abundance : BOUNTIFUL <a profuse harvest>
– pro · fuse · ly adverb
– pro · fuse · ness noun
synonyms PROFUSE , LAVISH , PRODIGAL , LUXURIANT , LUSH , EXUBERANT mean giving or given out in great abundance. PROFUSE implies pouring forth without restraint < profuse apologies>. LAVISH suggests an unstinted or unmeasured profusion <a lavish party>. PRODIGAL implies reckless or wasteful lavishness threatening to lead to early exhaustion of resources < prodigal spending>. LUXURIANT suggests a rich and splendid abundance <a luxuriant beard>. LUSH suggests rich, soft luxuriance <a lush green lawn>. EXUBERANT implies marked vitality or vigor in what produces abundantly <an exuberant imagination>.