prodigal
/ˈpɹɒdɪɡəl/
Group 3Difficulty 2/3
Definitions
- (adjective)
- Spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant GRE
- (adjective)
- Having or giving something on a lavish scale GRE
Example in Context
The prodigal spending habits of the previous administration left the incoming government with a staggering budget deficit.
Synonyms
wastefullavishreckless
Etymology
Derived from Latin meaning wasteful or extravagant.
- prodigus (Latin) — wasteful
Memory Aid
💸Sounds like “prodigal son”
Imagine the PRODIGAL SON throwing money like confetti at a party — he’s so wasteful!
Visual Association
💰A lavish banquet with feast leftovers strewn everywhere, showcasing reckless extravagance.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “prodigal” mean on the GRE?
prodigal (adjective) means “Spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant”. The prodigal spending habits of the previous administration left the incoming government with a staggering budget deficit.
How to remember “prodigal” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “prodigal” sounds like “prodigal son”. Imagine the PRODIGAL SON throwing money like confetti at a party — he’s so wasteful!
What are synonyms for “prodigal”?
Common synonyms: wasteful, lavish, reckless.