promiscuous
UK[prəˈmɪskjuəs]US[prəˈmɪskjuəs]
adj
Having or characterized by many transient sexual relationships.
adj
Demonstrating a lack of careful judgment or selectivity; indiscriminate.
Morpheme Breakdown
pro
misc
uous
pro
forward
misc
mix
uous
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'promiscuous' originates from the Latin promiscuus, which is formed from the prefix pro- ("forward, forth") and the verb miscēre ("to mix"). The literal sense was "mixed together without distinction," implying a lack of separation or order. This core meaning of indiscriminate mingling evolved in English, first applied to things or groups before being specifically applied to sexual behavior in the 19th century. The modern abstract meaning retains the fundamental concept of a lack of discrimination, whether in social conduct, intellectual choices, or biological classification.
Analysis
Structure: pro (forward) + misc (mix) + uous (adjective suffix)
- pro: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "forward, forth, before."
- misc: From Latin miscēre, meaning "to mix."
- uous: Latin-derived adjectival suffix, meaning "full of, characterized by."
Examples
He was known for his promiscuous lifestyle in his youth.
The author's promiscuous use of technical jargon made the book difficult for general readers.
The promiscuous sharing of needles is a major risk factor for disease transmission.