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The noun form can be prodigality, and the adverb is prodigally. Prodigal comes from the Latin word prodigus or lavish, which incidentally is not the root for the word prodigious. Prodigious, which means to be inordinately large or remarkable in some way, comes from the same root as prodigy.
In summary, prodigal means someone who is wasteful or extravagant, often with regards to money or resources. Understanding the distinction between prodigy and prodigal is essential for effective communication and accurate usage of these words.
In sum, prodigal and prodigy are not at all the same thing! If I hear one more person tell me that prodigal means “genius,” I will be filled with a prodigious indignation! Oh, I almost forgot. Prodigious isn’t the same as prodigy or prodigal — it just means “large.”
The most common sense of prodigy is in reference to an unusually talented young person, although, more rarely, yet with more fidelity to its Latin roots, it may also mean “something extraordinary or inexplicable,” or “a great accomplishment.” Another rare usage is as a synonym for omen.
Jan 2, 2018 · In the first place, they sound like they're related. On the other, there's a murky confluence between a biblical kid returning and a talented child. But it seems that they come from different roots: prodigal derives ultimately from the Latin word "prodigus" while prodigy comes from "prodigium."
Jul 31, 2019 · “Prodigy” has a soft G, “prodigal” has a hard G. But despite the very similar spelling, there is little evidence the words are related. “Prodigy” comes from the Latin “prodigium” meaning “omen” while “prodigal” comes from the Latin “prodigus” meaning “wasteful.”
As nouns the difference between prodigal and prodigy. is that prodigal is a prodigal person, a spendthrift while prodigy is an extraordinary thing seen as an omen; a portent. As an adjective prodigal. is wastefully extravagant.
Protégé refers to a person who is taught and helped by someone who has a lot of knowledge and experience. Sometimes, a person might be both. Prodigy and protégé are words that have a lot in common: they sound alike and are often used to refer to young people.
Jun 9, 2022 · Giving or given in abundance; lavish or profuse. "the infinite number of organic beings with which the sea of the tropics, so prodigal of life, teems" (Charles Darwin). Prodigy. An act or event so extraordinary or rare as to inspire wonder.
Sep 3, 2012 · A child who excels at something — tennis, singing, mathematics, etc. — is usually referred to as a prodigy. These individuals are usually born with this talent; it is not something that is learnt.
