Prone

Adjective

Definition: Lying flat or face down; prostrate.

Synonyms: Flat, Lying, Recumbent

Antonyms: Upright, Standing

Examples:
  • After a long day, he lay prone on the bed and fell asleep.
  • The athlete was prone on the ground after a hard tackle.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of "prone" as "prostrate" - both words describe a lying down position.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English "prone", from Latin "pronus" meaning bent forward or inclined.

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the 14th century, retaining its original meaning of lying flat or inclined.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Prone to"

Explanation:

Used to describe a tendency or inclination towards something, often negative or undesirable. Example

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "prone" with "supine".

Explanation:

While both words refer to lying down positions, "prone" specifically means lying face down, while "supine" means lying face up.

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