opulent
Opulent describes something that is characterized by extreme wealth, luxury, and abundance. The mental image is one of rich, heavy velvet curtains, gold-leaf trim, and an excess of expensive decorations that leave no space for emptiness. While it can literally describe physical surroundings like a palace or a banquet, it is often used figuratively to describe something that is lush, plentiful, or almost overwhelming in its richness. Because of its heavy, sophisticated tone, it is rarely used in casual conversation and is best reserved for descriptive writing or formal critiques.
In conversation
Discussing a hotel
Did you see the lobby of the hotel? It was absolutely opulent.
Did you see the lobby of the hotel? It was absolutely opulent.
I know, the crystal chandeliers were a bit much for me.
I know, the crystal chandeliers were a bit much for me.
Used here to describe excessive, high-end decor.
Describing a meal
For the finale, we served an opulent spread of truffles and caviar.
For the finale, we served an opulent spread of truffles and caviar.
It was almost too rich to finish, but delicious.
It was almost too rich to finish, but delicious.
Used to emphasize the abundance and costliness of food.
Examples
The hotel room was decorated with opulent silk curtains and gold fixtures.
The hotel room was decorated with opulent silk curtains and gold fixtures.
She lived an opulent lifestyle, traveling between private estates across the continent.
She lived an opulent lifestyle, traveling between private estates across the continent.
The poet used opulent imagery to describe the beauty of the decaying garden.
The poet used opulent imagery to describe the beauty of the decaying garden.
