WordGarden.ioprofusion
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /prəfjˈuːʒən/
US
- /prəfˈjuʒən/
Meanings
Noun
a large or abundant amount of something
lavish richness or overabundant display in style or decoration
Beyond the definition
Imagine walking into a garden bursting with flowers - roses, lilies, and sunflowers all growing together in vibrant colors. That's profusion. It describes an extremely large amount of something, often suggesting that it is overflowing or even a bit excessive. You might find a profusion of details in a complex painting, or feel a profusion of emotions after a life-changing event. Think of it as more than just "a lot" - it is an almost overwhelming amount.
The word hints at something spilling over, like a cornucopia filled with fruits and vegetables. A writer might describe a "profusion of adjectives" to mean they used many descriptive words, or a chef might create a "profusion of flavors" in a dish. It's not just about having a lot; it's also about the strong visual or sensory effect of that abundance.
The word profusion describes an extremely abundant supply of something - more than enough, often to the point of being lavish or even overwhelming. It suggests a generous outpouring, a great quantity, and a sense of overflowing richness. Think of a waterfall cascading down rocks, or a field covered in wildflowers after a spring rain; these are scenes marked by profusion.
While simply meaning "a large amount," profusion carries a more vivid sense than words like "abundance" or "plenty." It often implies a delightful excess, something visually striking and almost intoxicating. You might describe a grand ball as having a profusion of decorations, suggesting an extravagant display of color and ornamentation.
Historically, profusion comes from the Latin word profundere, meaning "to pour forth." This origin helps explain why it's often used to describe things that seem to flow or spill over - like a profusion of tears during a sad movie, or a profusion of ideas during a brainstorming session.
It's not limited to physical objects either. You can experience a profusion of feelings—joy, grief, excitement—or encounter a profusion of opinions on a controversial topic. So, when you want to describe something as being incredibly plentiful and overflowing with richness, reach for the word profusion. It paints a vivid picture of abundance beyond measure.
Examples
- 1
Garden abundance
The garden was full of roses, lilies, and a profusion of wildflowers.
- 2
Market display
On the market stalls, spices were arranged in a profusion of colors.
- 3
Report detail
The report contains a profusion of charts, tables, and footnotes.
- 4
Natural growth
Ferns and moss grew in profusion along the damp stone wall.
- Phrasein profusion
in large amounts
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Speech detail
Her speech was warm but hard to follow because of its profusion of detail.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- profusionnoun
Forms
- profusionspluralnoun