- Today's Word
Prosaic
pro-ZAY-ik
Definition
(adjective) Ordinary or unimaginative; lacking poetic beauty.
Example
The prosaic report stuck to data and skipped any flair.
Fun Fact
Prosaic comes from the same root as prose, and was originally a neutral term. But in modern usage, it often carries a quiet insult. If something’s prosaic, it might be reliable—but don’t expect it to be moving. Writers, designers, and critics use it to signal a lack of imagination or flair—even when something is technically competent.
(adjective) Characterized by soft, whispering, or rustling sounds.
The susurrous murmur of wind through the leaves made the forest feel alive yet utterly peaceful.
From Latin susurrare — “to whisper.”