wealthy
UK: ˈwelθi | US: ˈwelθi
adj. having abundant wealth; rich
adj. characterized by prosperity or well-being
adj. (of a region or resource) producing or yielding wealth
wealthy = wealth<prosperity> + y<adjective suffix>
- wealth: Derived from Old English welþ (well-being, prosperity), from wel (well) + -þ (noun-forming suffix). Originally referred to general welfare, later narrowed to material riches.
- -y: A productive English suffix forming adjectives (e.g., healthy, stormy), indicating "characterized by" or "full of."
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Old English welþ, combining wel (well) with an abstract noun suffix. Over time, wealth shifted from broad well-being to monetary abundance. The suffix -y (from Old English -ig) was added to create wealthy, literally "full of wealth." This reflects societal prioritization of material prosperity in defining success.
The wealthy businessman donated millions to charity.
A wealthy harvest ensured the village’s survival through winter.
She grew up in a wealthy neighborhood with luxury amenities.
The country’s wealthy natural resources fueled its economy.
Despite being wealthy, he lived modestly.