Definition

1. Noun:
   • Wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living: The state of great comfort and extravagant living, often involving considerable expense.
   • The quality possessed by something that is excessively expensive: The attribute of being non-essential, desirable, and costly.
   • Something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity: An item, experience, or service that is not essential for life but is desired for pleasure, comfort, or status.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The hotel offered a level of luxury rarely seen in this part of the world. (This demonstrates the state of sumptuous living.)
  • The luxury of the handmade leather was evident in its texture and price. (This illustrates the quality of being excessively expensive.)
  • For her, a weekly massage was a necessary luxury. (This shows an item/service that is an indulgence, not a basic need.)

Advanced Usage

• "in the lap of luxury": living in a state of extreme wealth and comfort.
  • After winning the lottery, they lived in the lap of luxury.
• "luxury of (doing something)": the pleasant opportunity or freedom to do something, often implying it is not always possible.
  • I had the luxury of taking a long lunch today.
• "luxury item/good": a product that is not essential but is associated with affluent living.
  • Designer handbags are considered luxury items.

Variants and Related Words

• Luxuriate (verb): to enjoy oneself in a luxurious manner; to take self-indulgent pleasure.
  • She luxuriated in a hot bubble bath.
• Luxuriant (adjective): rich and profuse in growth; lush (often used for vegetation). Note: This is different from "luxurious."
  • The garden was filled with luxuriant foliage.
• Luxurious (adjective): characterized by luxury; very comfortable and expensive.
  • They stayed in a luxurious suite.

Synonyms

• Opulence: great wealth or luxuriousness.
• Affluence: the state of having a great deal of money; wealth.
• Indulgence: allowing oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something.
• Extravagance: lack of restraint in spending money or using resources.

Antonyms

• Necessity: something that is essential.
• Frugality: the quality of being economical with money or food; thriftiness.
• Austerity: sternness or severity of manner or attitude; plainness and simplicity in appearance.

Related Phrases

• Luxury tax: a tax levied on goods considered non-essential or luxurious.
• Luxury brand: a brand whose products are synonymous with high quality, exclusivity, and high price points.

Noun

1. wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living
2. the quality possessed by something that is excessively expensive
3. something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity