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.