Definition of prosaic

The word "prosaic" originally came from the Latin word "prosa" which was used to describe a form of writing that was not in verse or poetic. In English, the word "prosaic" emerged in the 16th century and was used to describe writing that was plain, straightforward, and lacking in poetic beauty or ornamentation. In other words, prosaic writing was the opposite of the ornate, figurative language found in poetry and other arts. Today, the word "prosaic" is often used to describe anything that is repetitive, mundane, or unimaginative, particularly in reference to the arts or creative endeavors.