sumptuous
Americanadjective
-
entailing great expense, as from choice materials, fine work, etc.; costly.
a sumptuous residence.
-
luxuriously fine or large; lavish; splendid.
a sumptuous feast.
- Synonyms:
- munificent, luxurious, magnificent
adjective
-
expensive or extravagant
sumptuous costumes
-
magnificent; splendid
a sumptuous scene
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of sumptuous
1475–85; < Latin sūmptuōsus, equivalent to sūmptu ( s ) expense ( see sumptuary) + -ōsus -ous
Explanation
Sumptuous could be used to describe a room appointed with the finest furniture, a lush orchestra playing a beautiful symphony, or a meal meant for a king. Sumptuous describes something that costs a lot and imparts sensory pleasure. Sumptuous comes from the Latin sumptus, which means "expensive." Sumptus is related to sumere, which means "to consume." The word sumptuous carries both meanings with it. It is a pricey, luxurious thing that's meant to be consumed or enjoyed. You wouldn't use sumptuous to describe a tractor, even if it has leather seats.
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
