opulence
UK: ˈɒpjʊləns | US: ˈɑːpjələns
n. great wealth or luxuriousness
n. abundance or richness in resources, quality, or quantity
opulence = opul<wealth> + ence<noun suffix>
- opul (from Latin opulentus, meaning "wealthy, rich")
- ence (noun-forming suffix indicating state or quality, from Latin -entia)
Etymology Origin:
The word opulence traces back to Latin opulentus (wealthy), derived from ops (power, resources, wealth). Over time, opulentus evolved into Old French opulent, and by the 15th century, English adopted it as opulence to denote lavish wealth or abundance. The suffix -ence solidifies its meaning as a state of richness. The logic is clear: ops (resources) + -ulent (full of) → opulentus (full of resources) → opulence (the state of being wealthy).
The palace was a symbol of opulence, with gold decorations and marble floors.
Her wardrobe reflected an air of opulence, filled with designer dresses.
The city’s opulence contrasted sharply with the poverty in nearby villages.
Natural opulence in the region attracted traders and settlers for centuries.
Critics argue that such opulence is unnecessary during times of economic hardship.