What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cumbent
Example
The cat lay cumbent on the windowsill, basking in the sun. [cumbent: adjective]
Example
The ivy plant had a cumbent growth habit, spreading out along the ground. [cumbent: adjective]
Example
He assumed a cumbent position on the couch, ready to watch a movie. [cumbent: adjective]
prostrate
Example
The soldier lay prostrate on the battlefield, wounded and unable to move. [prostrate: adjective]
Example
After running a marathon, he felt completely prostrate and needed to rest. [prostrate: adjective]
Example
The devotees lay prostrate before the altar, offering their prayers. [prostrate: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prostrate is less common than cumbent in everyday language, and its usage is more specific to certain contexts. Cumbent is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cumbent and prostrate?
Both cumbent and prostrate are formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, prostrate may be more associated with religious or ceremonial language, while cumbent is more associated with botanical or medical language.
