How is the word prolific distinct from other similar adjectives?
Some common synonyms of prolific are fecund, fertile, and fruitful. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing offspring or fruit," prolific stresses rapidity of spreading or multiplying by or as if by natural reproduction.
a prolific writer
When is fecund a more appropriate choice than prolific?
The meanings of fecund and prolific largely overlap; however, fecund emphasizes abundance or rapidity in bearing fruit or offspring.
a fecund herd
When is it sensible to use fertile instead of prolific?
The words fertile and prolific are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fertile implies the power to reproduce in kind or to assist in reproduction and growth; applied figuratively, it suggests readiness of invention and development.
fertile soil
a fertile imagination
How does the word fruitful relate to other synonyms for prolific?
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