Profuse
/prəˈfjuːs/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Profuse describes when there is a lot of something, often more than you need or expect. It can refer to things like sweat, apologies, or thanks that come out in large amounts. It usually shows that something is very strong or intense.
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See It in Action
Very large amount or quantity of something
- •He was sweating profusely after running in the hot sun.
- •She gave profuse thanks to everyone who helped her.
- •The garden was profuse with blooming flowers in spring.
Excessive or abundant, often more than necessary
- •The patient had profuse bleeding after the accident.
- •They offered profuse apologies for the mistake.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "profuse" like "many" or "a lot," but much bigger and more than normal
- ✓Picture a flower with many petals falling everywhere, covering the ground—it is profuse petals
- ✓It's the feeling when you say "sorry" many times because you really want to show you mean it
- ✓Sounds like "pro-FUSE" → imagine water from a big hose being pushed out (fuse = to pour out)
- ✓Remember a garden full of flowers blooming everywhere, so many that it looks full and rich
- ✓NOT like "some" or "few" (small amount), profuse means very large, overflowing amount
- ✓NOT like "rare" or "little," profuse is the opposite—more than enough, often too much
- ✓NOT like "normal" or "usual," profuse means more than what is common or expected
Try Other Words
- •Abundant: large quantity, plenty (Use when the amount is large but not necessarily excessive)
- •Excessive: too much, more than needed (Use when the amount is too large and maybe a problem)
- •Overflowing: so full that it spills out (Use when something is physically spilling or very full)
- •Ample: enough or more than enough (Use when the amount is sufficient and pleasant)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "pro-" means "forward" or "in favor of"
- •Root: "fuse" comes from Latin "fundere," meaning "to pour out" or "to melt"
- •Etymology: From Latin "profusus," meaning "poured forth, lavish"
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe something poured out freely or generously
- •Modern usage: Used to describe large or abundant amounts of things like sweat, apologies, or flowers, often with a sense of being more than usual
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when someone gave you profuse thanks or apologies? How did it make you feel?
•How might the word "profuse" help you describe situations where something is too much or very strong?
Fill in the blanks
1.After the long hike, he was sweating profuse___ because of the heat and effort.
2.She gave profuse ___ for the help she received during the project.
3.The garden was profuse ___ with colorful flowers, making it look beautiful and full.
4.When the injury happened, the victim had profuse ___ that worried the doctors.
5.They offered profuse apologies ___ they wanted to fix the problem quickly.
6.Unlike a small amount, profuse means there is ___ more than usual or expected.
7.You might say "profuse thanks" when you want to show ___ gratitude or appreciation.