lavish

[lav-ish]

adjective

1. expended, bestowed, or occurring in profusion.

   lavish spending.

   Synonyms: wild, unrestrained, wasteful, unreasonable, thriftless, intemperate, improvident, immoderate, extravagant, excessive
   Antonyms: meager, sparing

2. using or giving in great amounts; prodigal (often followed byof ).

   lavish of his time;

   lavish of affection.

   Synonyms: unsparing, openhanded, munificent, liberal, free, effusive, bountiful, generous
   Antonyms: tight-fisted, tight, stingy, parsimonious, miserly, cheap

verb (used with object)

1. to expend or give in great amounts or without limit.

   to lavish gifts on a person.

   Synonyms: dissipate, squander, waste, shower, heap
   Antonyms: withhold, stint, begrudge

lavish

/ ˈlævɪʃ /

adjective

1. prolific, abundant, or profuse

2. generous; unstinting; liberal

3. extravagant; prodigal; wasteful

   lavish expenditure

verb

1. (tr) to give, expend, or apply abundantly, generously, or in profusion

Other Word Forms

• lavisher noun
• lavishly adverb
• lavishness noun
• overlavish adjective
• overlavishness noun
• unlavish adjective
• unlavished adjective
• lavishment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lavish¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English lavas “profusion” (noun), “profuse” (adjective), from Middle French lavasse, lavache “downpour of rain,” derivative of laver “to wash,” from Latin lavāre

Word History and Origins

Origin of lavish¹

C15: adj use of lavas profusion, from Old French lavasse torrent, from Latin lavāre to wash

Synonym Study

Lavish, prodigal, profuse refer to that which exists in abundance and is poured out copiously. Lavish suggests (sometimes excessive) generosity and openhandedness: lavish hospitality; much too lavish. Prodigal suggests wastefulness, improvidence, and reckless impatience of restraint: a prodigal extravagance. Profuse emphasizes abundance, but may suggest overemotionalism, exaggeration, or the like: profuse thanks, compliments, apologies.

Example Sentences

In the filing, First Foundation sought to force the sale of the lavish abode to recoup at least some of the money that its lawyers say the actor has failed to repay.

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Another one of the bathrooms is slightly less lavish but still boasts a chic aesthetic thanks to its wooden floors and marble vanity.

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Perhaps the strangest sculptures in the show are a selection of flowing beards, symbol of maturity and wisdom, which derive from the long, lavish one the great Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi sported.

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The recruitment has been lavish and unsuccessful and the blame for that is at Thelwell's door.

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In contrast to this lavish vision, at the show’s second venue, the convent of San Marco, visitors see the painter’s austere side.

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Related Words

• bountiful 
• effusive 
• excessive 
• extravagant 
• exuberant 
• generous 
• gorgeous 
• grand 
• lush 
• luxurious 
• opulent 
• plush 
• posh 
• profligate 
• ritzy 
• sumptuous 
• swanky 
• wasteful