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Lavish

Describing something that is extremely generous, luxurious, or elaborate; given or produced in abundant, often excessive, quantities.

adjective

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Imagine This

Imagine walking into a grand ballroom where gold-leaf chandeliers gleam, velvet drapes cascade the walls, and a feast sits upon tables piled high with exquisite dishes—every detail shouting extravagance. That scene is lavish.

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Sounds Like

LAY-vish

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Looks Like

Luxurious, ornate, abundant

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Remember This

Lavish can describe both appearance (lavish decorations) and actions (lavish praise, lavish spending). Its noun form is lavishness; the adverb form is lavishly; the verb form is lavish (as in to lavish someone with gifts).

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Other Forms

lavishnessnoun

lavishlyadverb

lavishverb

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Connect With

extravagant, opulent, luxurious, prodigal, generosity

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Note

Be careful not to confuse lavish with frugal or meager. Also, avoid using it to mean merely 'abundant' in a neutral sense; it often implies excess or extravagance. The verb form requires an object (e.g., to lavish someone with attention).

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Study Deeper

Examples

The wedding featured lavish decorations, including crystal chandeliers and hand-woven tapestries.
The gala was a lavish affair, designed to impress attendees and donors.

Synonyms

extravagantopulentluxuriousprodigalgenerous

Antonyms

frugalausteremeager

Etymology

From Middle English lavishen, of uncertain origin; the sense evolved from extravagance and wastefulness to the modern meaning of giving generously or spending abundantly.

Mnemonic

Mnemonic: LAVISH = Lots And Very Impressive, Showy and High-end. Picture a room so over-the-top that every detail shouts wealth and abundance.