What does lavish mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈlævɪʃ / 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective/Verb

Definition

1.(adj) given or provided in generous and elaborate amounts
2.(adj) impressive and elaborate in style or design
3.(v) to provide or spend money or resources freely and generously

Examples

• The hotel offered a lavish dinner with fine dining and entertainment.
• The film’s elaborate sets and costumes were truly lavish.
• The company will lavish their employees with bonuses and benefits.

Synonyms

• Imposing
• ‘Elegant
• Generous

Antonyms

• Frugal
• Meager
• Simple

Additional Information

The word ‘lavish’ comes from the Latin word ‘lavish’, which means ‘to glut’ or ‘to gorge’. In modern usage, the word ‘lavish’ is often associated with luxury, extravagance, and opulence. A lavish lifestyle is one characterized by high-end spending and elaborate displays of wealth. However, this can also imply waste and excess, as lavish spending may be seen as irresponsible or excessive.

Lavishness can be found in various aspects of life, from the finer things in life, such as expensive cars and jewelry, to the elaborate events and displays of grandeur. However, it is essential to note that lavishness can also have negative connotations, such as shallow materialism and the prioritization of superficial wealth over authentic relationships and personal growth.

Throughout history, lavishness has been an object of desire and aspiration, as seen in ancient civilizations such as Ancient Greece and Rome. In modern times, lavish lifestyles and displays of wealth have been both envied and criticized, with some viewing them as symbols of status and power, while others see them as excessive and unnecessary.

Today, lavishness is more than just a display of wealth; it’s an experience, a feeling, and a way of life. It’s the ability to create memories, provide comfort, and indulge in the finer things. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and being lavish requires a delicate balance between extravagance and moderation.

Etymology

The word ‘lavish’ originates from the Latin word ‘lavare’, meaning ‘to glut’ or ‘to gorge’. The Latin term is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root ‘*leh-‘, meaning ‘to lie or lean’, which was used to describe the action of stretching out or extending oneself. Over time, the Latin term ‘lavare’ evolved to convey the idea of overindulging oneself in excessive quantities.

The word ‘lavish’ entered the English language in the 15th century, initially carrying a negative connotation, implying waste or excess. However, in the 17th century, the word’s meaning shifted to convey a more positive sense of luxury, grandeur, and splendor. This change in connotation reflects the growing wealth and status of the upper classes during this time.

Usage Notes

When using the word ‘lavish’, it’s essential to consider the context in which the term is applied. In some instances, lavish might imply something luxurious and enjoyable, while in others, it could suggest waste or excess. Therefore, it’s crucial to be mindful of the audience and setting when using this term.

For example, describing a wedding as ‘lavish’ would likely evoke a sense of grandeur or luxury, whereas describing a hotel room as ‘lavish’ might imply it’s wastefully overpriced.

Cultural References

The term ‘lavish’ has been referenced in various forms of media, from film and television to literature and music. In the 2012 film ‘The Great Gatsby’, lavish spending is depicted as a symbol of excess and superficiality, highlighting the darkside of wealth. In modern pop culture, lavish lifestyles are often portrayed as aspirational and desirable, but also potentially vacuous and narcissistic.

In literature, the concept of lavishness is explored in works like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ and Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, where the themes of luxury, excess, and the corrupting influence of wealth are examined.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

ID: ‘Lavish with praise’ – to excessively compliment or praise someone or something

ID: ‘The gifts were lavished upon us’ – to receive or give something with great generosity or abundance

Related Words or Phrases

Related: ‘Opulent’, ‘luxurious’, ‘extravagant’

Antonym: ‘Frugal’, ‘meager’, ‘parsimonious’

Collocations

Collocation: ‘Lavish lifestyle’

Collocation: ‘lavish spending’

Collocation: ‘lavish praise’

Collocation: ‘lavish treatment’

Frequency of Use

The word ‘lavish’ is commonly used in a variety of contexts, from advertising and marketing to literature and everyday conversation. It is often employed to describe extravagant and luxurious things, such as lavish weddings, hotels, or clothing brands. However, its usage has also declined in recent years due to the association with excessive spending and superficiality.

Alexa’s usage analysis showed that ‘lavish’ was most frequently used between 2012 and 2016, peaking at around 0.3% of all word usage during that period.

Common Misspellings

Common misspelling: ‘lavvish’

Common misspelling: ‘lavous’

Common misspelling: ‘lavishy’