Latin · prefix
pro-
before, forward; on behalf of
Forms
- pro-
- por- — An older Latin variant retained in some compounds.
Origin
Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *pro, ‘before; forward.’
Note
Standing in front of someone can develop into acting on that person’s behalf.
Words sharing this root
compromiseAn agreement reached by each side giving up something.compromiseA weakening or endangering of something valuable.improvisationCreating or performing something without preparation.improviseTo devise something in the moment using available means.portendTo be a sign that something, especially something bad, will happen.portentA sign that something significant, often bad, may happen.portentousSuggesting that something of great importance is about to happen.portraitOriented with height greater than width.portraitAn artistic or detailed representation of a person or thing.portrayTo represent someone or something in art, words, or performance.procedureAn established series of steps for carrying out a task.proceedTo arise from a source or cause.proceedTo move forward or continue with an action or process.processAn ordered sequence of actions toward an outcome.processTo walk in a formal ceremonial line.processionAn ordered line moving forward one after another.proclaimTo announce something publicly or emphatically.proclamationAn official or emphatic public announcement.proclivityA natural tendency or inclination toward something.proconsulAn official who governs a province or dependent territory for a ruling power.procrastinateDelay doing something that should be done.procrastinationThe act or habit of putting off tasks unnecessarily.procreateTo produce offspring through sexual reproduction.procreationThe production of offspring through reproduction.procuratorAn official who manages affairs on behalf of another person or authority.procureTo obtain or arrange something for a purpose.procurementThe process of obtaining goods, services, or supplies.prodigalWastefully extravagant in using resources.produceTo bring something into existence through work or growth.produceTo bring something forward for inspection or use.producerSomeone or something that makes goods, or a person who organizes a production.productSomething resulting from a process.productionThe organized process of making something.productionThe act of making evidence or documents available for examination.productiveAble to generate results or output.profanationThe act of treating something sacred with disrespect.profaneTreating sacred or revered things with disrespect.profaneNot religious or sacred.professionAn open declaration of belief or commitment.professionAn occupation requiring specialized knowledge or training.professorA college or university teacher, especially one of higher rank.proficiencyCompetence or skill in a subject or activity.proficientSkilled and competent at a task or subject.profitA financial or other benefit gained from an activity.profligateGiven to unrestrained, immoral behavior.profligateRecklessly wasteful with money or resources.profoundExtending to great depth.profundityGreat depth of thought, feeling, or meaning.profusePresent or given in very large amounts.profusionA very large amount of something.progenitorAn ancestor from which a line descends.progenyOffspring descended from a parent or source.progressMovement toward a destination, goal, or more advanced state.progressionAn ordered succession of stages or elements.prohibitTo forbid or prevent something from being done or happening.prohibitionAn authoritative ban on an activity.prohibitivePreventing an action from being undertaken.projectA planned undertaking with a defined purpose.projectTo extend or cast outward from a starting point.projectileAn object propelled through the air, or capable of being so propelled.projectionThe casting of an image onto a surface.projectionA part that sticks out from a surface.projectionAn estimate of a future outcome based on current information.projectionThe attribution of one's own feelings or traits to someone else.prolapseAn organ slipping from its normal position.prolixityExcessive length or wordiness in speech or writing.promenadeA leisurely walk in a public setting.promiscuityMixing or associating without selection or restraint.promiscuousUnselective in one's associations.promiseAn assurance that something will happen or be done.promissoryContaining or expressing a promise.promoteTo advance the position or development of someone or something.promotionAdvancement in position or development.pronounA word used in place of a noun or noun phrase.pronounceSay the sounds of a word or name.pronounceState something formally and with authority.pronunciationThe way a word or sound is spoken.propelto drive someone or something forwardproponentA person who supports an idea, plan, or cause.proposeTo offer a course of action for another's consideration.propositionA proposed undertaking offered for consideration.propositionA statement that can be true or false.propoundTo present an idea for consideration.propulsionThe action or system of driving something forward.proscribeTo officially forbid or ban someone or something.prosecuteTo actively carry an undertaking forward.prosecutionThe active pursuit of an undertaking.prosecutorA lawyer who brings criminal cases on behalf of the government.prospectThe possibility of a future outcome.prospectA wide view over an area.prospectTo search an area for valuable natural resources.prospectiveExpected or likely to happen or become something in the future.prospectusA document presenting details of an offering or proposal.prostrateLying flat and face down.prostrationThe act or condition of lying face down in submission.protectKeep safe from harm or unwanted access.protectionAction taken to keep harm from occurring.protectionistFavoring trade policies that shield domestic industries from foreign competition.protectorSomeone or something that guards against harm.protestAn expression of strong disagreement or objection.protestationAn emphatic declaration of a position or belief.protractionThe act of making something last longer.protractionThe movement or extension of a body part forward.protractorAn instrument for measuring and drawing angles.protrudeTo stick out beyond a surface or boundary.protrusionAn outward projection beyond a surrounding surface.protuberanceA part that bulges or sticks out from a surface.provenanceThe history of where something came from.proverbA short traditional saying expressing practical wisdom or advice.proverbialBelonging to or resembling a familiar traditional saying.provideTo state a condition or requirement in a law or agreement.provideTo supply or arrange what is needed.providedOn the condition that.providedHaving necessary supplies or resources.providencePrudent preparation for future needs.providenceDivine care over human affairs.providentCareful in preparing for future needs or difficulties.provisionA clause or condition in a law, contract, or agreement.provisionSupplying or preparing what is needed for use.provisoA condition attached to an agreement.provocationConduct that provokes a strong emotional reaction.provocativeLikely to excite a strong response.provokeTo trigger a strong reaction, often deliberately.purloinTo steal something secretly.purportTo claim to be or do something, often doubtfully.purportThe general meaning or intention of something.pursuantIn accordance with a law, rule, or agreement.pursueTo follow actively in order to reach a target.pursuitContinued following directed toward a target.purveyorA person or business that provides something.purviewThe range of someone's responsibility, concern, or understanding.