prolixity
Meaning
the use of too many words to express an idea, making something tediously lengthy.
Structure
Usage
the professor's lecture was criticized for its unnecessary prolixity.
editing the document involved cutting through its prolixity to find the core argument.
her legal brief was clear and concise, avoiding any hint of prolixity.
Etymology
the word 'prolixity' originates from the latin prolixus, meaning 'extended' or 'copious', which itself is a compound of pro- ('forward') and liquere ('to flow'). the literal image is of speech or writing that 'flows forth' extensively. over time, this sense of fluid abundance acquired a negative connotation, shifting from merely 'extended' to 'excessively and tediously wordy'. the suffix '-ity' was added in english to form the noun denoting the state or quality of being prolix.
Analysis
pro- (latin prefix meaning 'forward' or 'forth'); -lix- (from latin lixus, past participle of liquere, meaning 'to be fluid' or 'to flow'); -ity (latin-derived noun-forming suffix indicating a state or condition).