profuse
UK[prəˈfjuːs]US[prəˈfjuːs]
adj
Existing or given in large amounts; abundant
adj
Giving or given generously and in large amounts
Morpheme Breakdown
pro
fuse
pro
forward
fuse
pour
Etymology
The word 'profuse' originates from the Latin verb fundere, meaning 'to pour, melt, or cast'. Its past participle fusus gives us the root 'fuse', which carries the core sense of pouring. The prefix 'pro-' intensifies this action, signifying 'forth' or 'forward'. Thus, the literal meaning is 'poured forth'. This concrete image of a liquid being poured out generously evolved into the modern abstract adjectives describing anything given or occurring in great abundance, whether it be apologies, sweat, vegetation, or spending.
Analysis
Structure: pro (forward) + fuse (pour)
pro- (Latin prefix meaning 'forward, forth'); fuse (from Latin fusus, past participle of fundere meaning 'to pour')
Examples
The garden was a riot of color with profuse blooms.
He was profuse in his apologies for the mistake.
The wound was followed by profuse bleeding.