prosperous
UK[ˈprɒspərəs]US[ˈprɑːspərəs]
adj
successful and wealthy
adj
(of a place or period) characterized by economic success and growth
Morpheme Breakdown
prosper
ous
prosper
ous
Etymology
the word "prosperous" has its roots in the latin adjective 'prosperus', meaning favorable or fortunate. this latin term is itself likely derived from the phrase 'pro spere', meaning "according to hope" or "as hoped for." the suffix '-ous', also of latin origin, was added to form an adjective meaning "full of" or "characterized by" the quality of the root. thus, the literal construction "full of favor or fortune" evolved into the modern abstract meaning describing a state of economic success, wealth, and thriving conditions.
Analysis
Structure: prosper + ous
prosper: from latin 'prosperus' (favorable, fortunate). functions as the core root meaning success.
ous: from latin '-osus' (full of, characterized by). functions as an adjective-forming suffix.
Examples
the city grew into a prosperous center of trade and culture.
they wished the newlyweds a long and prosperous life together.
the prosperous era was marked by low unemployment and technological innovation.