prodigal

wastefully extravagant or recklessly generous

Roots

  • ag / act: do, drive, or set in motion
  • pro-: forward, forth, outward, or in favor of
  • prodig / prodigal: wasteful pouring out or extravagant spending

Other words with the ag / act root

  • act: to do something
  • action: the act or process of doing something
  • agency: ability to act or an organization
  • agenda: a list of things to be done
  • agent: a person or thing that acts
  • agitate: to stir up or drive into motion
  • castigate: to criticize or punish severely
  • castigation: severe criticism or punishment

Other words with the prodig / prodigal root

Prodigal means resources rushing out with the doors open: money, time, praise, energy, attention.

His prodigal spending made the first paycheck disappear before the rent was due.

Prodigal is extravagance without a brake. Money, praise, time, and attention rush out faster than judgment can catch them.

The contrast with frugal is useful. Frugal protects resources; prodigal lets them pour out.

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