Langimage
English

prosper(s)

|pros-per|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈprɑːspɚ/

🇬🇧

/ˈprɒspə/

(prosper)

successful growth

Base FormPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent Participle
prosperprospersprospersprosperedprosperedprospering
Etymology
Etymology Information

'prosper' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'prosperare' (and adjective 'prosperus'), where 'pro-' meant 'forward' or 'for' and the root related to good fortune or favor.

Historical Evolution

'prosper' entered English via Old French (prosperer/prosperer) and Middle English (prosperen), ultimately from Latin 'prosperare'/'prosperus'.

Meaning Changes

Initially connected with being favorable or fortunate ('prosperus' = 'favorable, fortunate'), it came to be used as a verb meaning 'to be successful' or 'thrive' in modern English.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

noun form of 'prosper': the state of being prosperous; wealth, success, or good fortune.

The country's prosperity increased after the new trade agreements.

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Verb 1

to be successful or flourish, especially financially or in terms of growth; to thrive.

Small family businesses often prosper in this neighborhood.

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Verb 2

to do well or make progress, especially after difficulty; to improve or advance.

After reorganizing, the company began to prosper.

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Adjective 1

adjective form derived from 'prosper': marked by success or economic well-being; flourishing.

They live in a prosperous suburb.

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Adverb 1

adverb form derived from 'prosper': in a prosperous or thriving manner.

The business expanded prosperously for several years.

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Last updated: 2025/11/05 07:45