Prosperous: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：successful and wealthy (prosperous)

prosperous 🔊

/ˈprɒspərəs/

adj.

Successful and flourishing, especially having a lot of money and good business.

Prosperous city scene illustration showing successful shops and happy customers.

successful and wealthy 🔊

➕

/səkˈsɛsfʊl ənd ˈwɛlθi/

adj.

Describes a state of being successful, flourishing, and having substantial financial resources, often linked to economic growth and well-being.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Derived from Latin 'prosperus', meaning 'favorable' or 'successful'. The root combines 'pro-' (forward) and 'sperus' (hope), indicating advancement toward hope or success.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a PROfessional with a PERfectly Organized SUccess story – PRO-SPER-OUS – symbolizing someone who is thriving and wealthy.

📖 Example

Ever since that great cafe opened, the whole neighbourhood has become much more prosperous. 🔊 The area has grown significantly more successful and wealthy since the excellent cafe started operating.

🔗 Collocations

prosperous economy – an economy that is growing and successful

prosperous future – a future expected to be successful and wealthy

prosperous community – a community that is thriving and well-off

🔄 Synonyms

successful (adj.) – achieving desired aims or results

flourishing (adj.) – growing or developing in a healthy way

thriving (adj.) – prospering or doing well

🚫 Antonyms

poor (adj.) – lacking sufficient money or resources

struggling (adj.) – experiencing difficulty or hardship

🌱 Derivatives

prosperity (n.) – the state of being prosperous

prosper (v.) – to succeed or flourish

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'prosperous' traces back to Latin 'prosperus', from 'pro spere' meaning 'according to hope'. It entered English in the late 14th century, commonly used in economic and social contexts to denote success and wealth, reflecting historical shifts toward market economies and personal achievement.