Blog

Extravagant

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Lacking restraint in spending money or using resources, often beyond what is necessary or reasonable.
2. Exceeding normal limits, especially in style, amount, or degree, to the point of being excessive.
3. Lavish or unrestrained in appearance or behavior, often showing off wealth or luxury.
4. Immoderate or excessive in terms of imagination, expression, or behavior.
5. (In some contexts) Outlandishly or overly elaborate, especially in design or fashion.

History and Origin

The word “extravagant” comes from the Latin extravagari, meaning “to wander outside” or “to stray beyond,” derived from extra (meaning “outside”) and vagari (meaning “to wander”). Initially, it referred to someone or something that strayed from the norm or usual path. Over time, the word evolved to describe behavior that is excessive, unrestrained, or wasteful, particularly in spending, style, or mannerisms.

Detailed Explanation

“Extravagant” generally refers to behavior or characteristics that go beyond what is considered reasonable or necessary. It is often associated with lavish spending, indulgence in luxury, or the display of wealth in an excessive manner. An extravagant lifestyle might involve buying unnecessary or overpriced items, throwing grandiose parties, or living in opulent surroundings. However, the term can also describe anything that is overly elaborate or excessive, such as extravagant designs, gestures, or expressions that surpass typical expectations. In a broader sense, it can suggest any action or idea that is extreme or outside the boundaries of moderation.

Example Sentences

1. His extravagant spending habits led him to accumulate significant debt.
2. The wedding was an extravagant affair with a five-course meal and live entertainment.
3. She wore an extravagant gown that shimmered under the lights.
4. The company’s extravagant advertising campaign cost millions of dollars.
5. They threw an extravagant party to celebrate their anniversary.
6. The mansion was filled with extravagant decorations and expensive furniture.
7. His extravagant claims about the product’s effectiveness were met with skepticism.
8. The artist’s work was marked by extravagant details and bold color choices.
9. Despite her extravagant lifestyle, she maintained a down-to-earth personality.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Lavish – Over-the-top or generous, often to the point of excess, similar to extravagant.
2. Immoderate – Lacking restraint, particularly in terms of indulgence or excess.
3. Excessive – Going beyond the usual limits, often referring to quantities or actions that are too much.
4. Opulent – Characterized by wealth, luxury, or grandness, often in an extravagant way.
5. Flamboyant – Showy or extravagant in a way that attracts attention, especially in fashion or behavior.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Wasteful – The act of using resources in a manner that is not efficient, often linked to extravagant spending.
2. Grandiose – Intended to impress, often exaggerated or overly ambitious in style or design.
3. Luxurious – Rich in comfort or refinement, often used to describe extravagant living conditions.
4. Indulgent – Allowing oneself to enjoy pleasures or luxuries in an excessive manner.
5. Showy – Intended to attract attention or impress, sometimes in an extravagant way.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Sumptuous – Rich and luxurious, often associated with extravagant displays of wealth.
2. Profligate – Recklessly extravagant or wasteful, especially in the use of resources or money.
3. Over-the-top – Exceeding the normal limits, often in an extravagant or exaggerated manner.
4. Exorbitant – Unreasonably high, often referring to prices or costs that are extravagantly excessive.
5. Flamboyance – The quality of being extravagant in a colorful or attention-grabbing way.

Antonyms

1. Modest
2. Prudent
3. Conservative
4. Economical
5. Restrained