extravagant
UK: ɪkˈstrævəɡənt | US: ɪkˈstrævəɡənt
adj. spending or using more than necessary; excessive or wasteful
adj. exceeding reasonable limits; elaborate or luxurious
adj. (archaic) wandering beyond bounds; straying
extra<outside> + vag<wander> + ant<adjective suffix>
- extra: From Latin extra ("outside, beyond").
- vag: From Latin vagari ("to wander"), related to vagus ("wandering").
- ant: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating a quality or state.
Etymology Origin:
The word extravagant originated in Late Middle English, derived from Medieval Latin extravagant- (stem of extravagans), meaning "wandering beyond." It combines extra ("beyond") and vagari ("to wander"), reflecting the idea of straying outside limits—whether physically (archaic) or metaphorically (excessive spending/behavior). Over time, its meaning shifted from literal wandering to figurative excess.
She was criticized for her extravagant spending on designer clothes.
The wedding featured extravagant decorations and a five-course meal.
His extravagant claims about the product were later proven false.
The palace’s architecture is extravagant, with gold leaf and marble floors.
(Archaic) The monk warned against extravagant thoughts that stray from piety.