English

prolifically

gb/pɹoʊlˈɪfɪkli/ us/pɹoʊlˈɪfɪkli/
C1 English
Senses
0 senses
adverb C1 action
1

producing a lot of work

in a way that produces a lot, especially many works

Usage pattern: [someone/something] [verb] prolifically
Common mistake:
Often misspelled as *prolificly*. Also overused where simpler words like *a lot* are more natural.
Synonyms
copiously (Emphasizes a large quantity, often of writing or speech.) | abundantly (Broader; often used for things occurring in large amounts.) | profusely (Suggests more than enough; can sound more emphatic.)
Antonyms
sparingly (In small amounts or only occasionally.) | infrequently (Focuses on not happening often.)
Collocations
write prolifically |publish prolifically |compose prolifically |produce prolifically |create prolifically |work prolifically |paint prolifically |research prolifically |output prolifically |contribute prolifically
Themes
work |writing |arts |productivity
Examples
  • She has written prolifically for decades, publishing a new novel almost every year.
  • The designer worked prolifically during the lockdown and produced three complete collections.
  • He blogs prolifically, posting several thoughtful essays each week.
Learner examples
  • He writes prolifically.
  • She publishes prolifically in top journals.
adverb C1 process
2

reproducing or growing quickly

in a way that increases fast and in large numbers

Usage pattern: [organism/thing] [verb] prolifically
Common mistake:
Not usually used to mean simply *fast*; it emphasizes large numbers/amounts, not speed alone.
Synonyms
rapidly (Emphasizes speed; may miss the idea of large numbers.) | abundantly (Emphasizes plenty or large amounts, often in nature contexts.)
Antonyms
slowly (Opposes rapid increase; does not necessarily imply small numbers.) | scarcely (Emphasizes very little growth or reproduction.)
Collocations
breed prolifically |reproduce prolifically |multiply prolifically |grow prolifically |spread prolifically |seed prolifically |flower prolifically |spawn prolifically |propagate prolifically |infest prolifically
Themes
nature |biology |environment
Examples
  • In warm water, algae can grow prolifically and block sunlight from reaching deeper plants.
  • Rabbits breed prolifically when predators are scarce.
  • The invasive vine spreads prolifically along the riverbanks.
Learner examples
  • These plants grow prolifically in summer.
Grammar
Dictionary form
prolifically
IPA
GB/pɹoʊlˈɪfɪkli/
US/pɹoʊlˈɪfɪkli/
Syllables & stress
pro - lific - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (lific)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: prolifically
  • Plural: prolificallies
Word family
Forms
prolificallies noun
Core family
prolific adjective C1
Related words
proliferate verb C1 proliferation noun C1
Advanced or less common
proliferative adjective
Expressions

No expressions linked to this entry yet.

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