Etymology Map
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Prolific

4 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means producing much fruit, many offspring, or many works

Where does the word "prolific" come from? It comes from Latin prōlēs, passing through Medieval Latin and French before entering English (1640s).

1
Stage 1 of 4
prōlēs
Latin · ancient
"offspring"
offspring; also the root of 'proletarian', a citizen whose only wealth was his children
2
Stage 2 of 4
prolificus
Medieval Latin · medieval
"producing offspring"
formed by scholars with '-ficus', making
3
Stage 3 of 4
prolifique
French · 1500s
"fertile"
used in French medicine and natural history
4
Stage 4 of 4
prolific
English · 1640s
"fertile, productive"
first said of fertile plants, animals and people; later of writers and artists
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Read the full story

Prolific’s story begins in Latin: prōlēs meant “offspring.” Offspring; also the root of 'proletarian', a citizen whose only wealth was his children. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Medieval Latin as prolificus. Formed by scholars with '-ficus', making. From there it passed into French as prolifique by 1500s. Used in French medicine and natural history. It reached English by 1640s as prolific. First said of fertile plants, animals and people; later of writers and artists. Today, prolific means producing much fruit, many offspring, or many works.