adj

prostrate

PROST-rayt

adj

Lying flat on the ground, typically face down.

"The monks lay prostrate before the altar."

"He found her prostrate on the kitchen floor after the fall."

Overwhelmed emotionally or physically; utterly exhausted or defeated.

"She was left prostrate with grief after the funeral."

verb

To throw oneself face down, especially in submission or worship.

"Pilgrims prostrate themselves before the shrine."

How to Use Prostrate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLying flat face-down, often out of exhaustion, grief, or submission.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "prostate," the male gland — completely different word despite the similar spelling.

Easily confused with

prostate →

prostrated past tense, prostrates singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The monks lay _____ before the altar.

From Latin prōstrātus, the past participle of prōsternō, "to throw down in front."

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