Lavish
/ˈlævɪʃ/
Definitions
2 meaningsCharacterized by extravagance and abundance; generous or profuse in giving or spending.
/ˈlævɪʃ/
Expenditure or providing something on a grand scale.
The mansion featured lavish gardens.
💡 Simply: Think of someone spending a LOT of money, like on a super fancy party or giving a really, really big present. They're being lavish!
👶 For kids: When something is lavish, it's fancy and special, like a big, yummy cake with lots of sprinkles!
More Examples
She was known for her lavish lifestyle.
The king enjoyed lavish banquets.
How It's Used
"The hotel offered a lavish buffet with an extensive selection of dishes."
"The company hosted a lavish event to celebrate its anniversary."
To give or bestow something generously upon someone or something; to expend or use freely.
/ˈlævɪʃ/
Give something generously; expend profusely.
They lavished praise on the young artist.
💡 Simply: If you lavish something on someone, you give them a LOT of it! Like, you could lavish your dog with treats, or a friend with compliments.
👶 For kids: When you lavish something, you give a lot of something to someone, like you lavish your friend with hugs!
More Examples
She lavished gifts on her grandchildren.
The parents lavished their children with affection.
How It's Used
"The company lavishly rewarded its employees for their hard work."
"She lavished her attention on her children."
From Middle English *lavissh*, from Old French *lavache*, from *lave*, from Latin *lavare* ('to wash'). Originally related to pouring or pouring out, then expanded to mean excessive spending or giving.
Used since the late 14th century, originally referring to excess or prodigality in spending, later broadening to include generosity.
Memory tip
Imagine a VIP being LAVISHed with gifts and luxuries.