What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prosaic
Example
The movie was criticized for its prosaic plot and predictable ending. [prosaic: adjective]
Example
The author's prosaic writing style made the story feel flat and uninteresting. [prosaic: adjective]
pedestrian
Example
The painting was criticized for its pedestrian subject matter and lack of creativity. [pedestrian: adjective]
Example
The city's streets were filled with pedestrians rushing to work in the morning. [pedestrians: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pedestrian is more commonly used than prosaic in everyday language. Pedestrian is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while prosaic is less common and more specific to literary or artistic criticism.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prosaic and pedestrian?
Prosaic is more formal and literary, making it suitable for academic or professional writing. Pedestrian is more informal and conversational, making it suitable for everyday language and casual conversation.