profuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'profuse' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means "abundant" or "lavish". For example, you can use it in a sentence such as: "He received a profuse amount of praise for his charity work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Only after the allegations were publicly discredited by an independent panel report in 2012 did MacKenzie offer "profuse apologies" for the story, saying he had been misled by official sources.

The Guardian

One elderly man heaps profuse gratitude on the MP who has helped him, before assuring he will give his vote to the other lot.

The Economist

The evidence from the hadith (the Prophet's sayings) and renowned scholars that Islam is a religion of the sword is "so profuse that only a heretic would argue otherwise", claims the most recent issue of Dabiq, the magazine of Islamic State (IS).

The Economist

It looks over a green belt of profuse tropical vegetation intersected by a solitary railway line.

The Economist

NATO is profuse in its apologies or condolences.

The Economist

Rather, they would be munificent givers of foreign aid, vigorous investors abroad and profuse lenders.

The Economist

When human activities spew CO2 into the atmosphere, plants absorb more of it than usual, leading to profuse growth.

The Economist

Every utterance is prefaced with profuse expressions of gratitude.

The Economist

Westphalia produced a profuse ecclesiastical coinage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This produces a profuse vaginal secretion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their variety is so profuse that their study forms an important branch of paleobotany.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profuse" to describe something that is not just abundant, but remarkably so, often exceeding expectations or needs.

Common error

Avoid using "profuse" when a simpler term like "abundant" or "many" would suffice. "Profuse" implies a degree of excess or extravagance that may not always be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "profuse" primarily functions to qualify nouns by describing their quantity or abundance. It's used to emphasize that something exists in a great or excessive amount, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples such as "profuse apologies" or "profuse growth".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

43%

News & Media

38%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "profuse" correctly and effectively describes something existing in great quantity or abundance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from diverse sources. Its primary function is to emphasize the extent of something, often implying excess, and it is most commonly found in encyclopedias and news media. Remember to use "profuse" when you want to highlight a remarkable abundance, but avoid it when a simpler term would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abundant

Focuses on a large quantity of something, implying a generous supply.

copious

Emphasizes a large quantity, often implying that it is more than sufficient.

lavish

Highlights the richness and generosity of something, often in a celebratory context.

overflowing

Suggests a quantity so great that it cannot be contained.

teeming

Implies a great number of things crowded together, often living things.

prolific

Describes something that produces a large quantity of offspring, works, or results.

excessive

Implies that something is beyond what is considered normal or acceptable.

superabundant

Emphasizes a quantity that is more than necessary or expected.

plentiful

Highlights the fact that there is enough of something to satisfy needs.

riotous

Suggests an unrestrained and exuberant abundance.

FAQs

How can I use "profuse" in a sentence?

The word "profuse" is used to describe something that exists in great quantity. For example, "The garden was filled with "profuse blooms"" or "He offered "profuse apologies" for his mistake".

What words can I use instead of "profuse"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "abundant", "copious", or "lavish". Each of these words carries a slightly different connotation, so choose the one that best fits the specific situation.

Is it correct to say "profuse amount"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to say "profuse amount". It's often used to describe a large quantity of something, emphasizing its abundance.

What's the difference between "profuse" and "excessive"?

"Profuse" describes something that is abundant or plentiful, while "excessive" implies that something is beyond what is necessary, normal, or desirable. While both suggest a large quantity, "excessive" often has a negative connotation.