prolix
- Using far more words than necessary; tediously long-winded in speech or writing.
In a sentence
- The senator's prolix speech tested the patience of everyone in the chamber.
- Her prolix emails, stuffed with unnecessary caveats, made her points nearly impossible to find.
Usage note. Prolix is a formal, slightly literary word; in everyday contexts 'long-winded' or 'verbose' are more natural choices.
Where it comes from
English prolix · entered English 15th c.
From Latin prolixus, meaning 'poured forth, extended, long,' composed of pro- ('forward') and liquere ('to flow'). The word entered English in the 15th century, initially used in formal rhetorical and literary criticism.