prosaic

Prosaic is an adjective with two main senses. One pertains to prose itself or to something characteristic of ordinary prose rather than poetry. The other sense is pejorative, describing something dull, ordinary, or unimaginative, lacking in imagination or excitement.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin prosaicus, from Greek prosaios, meaning “in prose.” It entered English via Latin, originally with the neutral sense of “in prose” and later acquiring the critical sense of banality or dullness.

Usage: In literary criticism, prosaic writing is described as straightforward, functional, and unembellished, often contrasted with poetic or elevated language. In everyday language, it can describe mundane details or routine activities, as in a prosaic description of events. The term can function descriptively or pejoratively, depending on context, and is frequently used to signal a lack of imaginative flair in contrast to more ornate or lyrical expression.

Related terms: The noun or adverb forms are rare or less common; the related concept prosaicism refers to the quality or character of prose as such. Common synonyms for the negative sense include banal, mundane, pedestrian, and matter-of-fact, while opposites include poetic, lyrical, imaginative, and inspired.