好词典

prodigal

UK //ˈprɒdɪɡ(ə)l//US //ˈprɑːdɪɡ(ə)l//

词源

源自拉丁语 'prodigus'(意为‘浪费的’),由 'pro-'(向前)和 'agere'(驱使)组成,字面意思是‘向前驱使’,引申为‘挥霍’或‘浪费’的行为。

adjective

❶ 形容人挥霍浪费的,尤指在金钱或资源上不加节制地消耗,常带有贬义。

“The prodigal son wasted his inheritance on luxury cars and parties.”

(那个挥霍无度的儿子把遗产都浪费在豪车和派对上。)

“She was prodigal with her time, always helping others without hesitation.”

(她慷慨地付出时间,总是不假思索地帮助他人。)

同义词:wasteful, extravagant, spendthrift, lavish, reckless

noun

❶ 指挥霍浪费的人,尤其是指那些奢侈无度、不知节制的人。

“The prodigal returned home after years of reckless living.”

(那个浪子在外挥霍多年后终于回家了。)

“He was known as a prodigal, always spending more than he earned.”

(他以挥霍闻名,总是入不敷出。)

同义词:spendthrift, waster, squanderer, profligate, big spender

常见短语

prodigal son — 指挥霍无度后回归的人,源自《圣经》中浪子回头的故事,常用来比喻迷途知返的人。

“After years abroad, he returned like the prodigal son to his family.”

(在国外多年后,他像浪子一样回到了家人身边。)