What does lavished mean?
Lavished is the past tense and past participle of the verb lavish, meaning to give or provide something in generous abundance. It is especially common in expressions such as lavish praise, lavish attention, and lavish hospitality, where the emphasis is on an unusually large amount of praise, care, generosity, or resources. The word can also describe extravagant spending, as in a company that lavished money on advertising. Lavished is generally formal and often conveys admiration or abundance, although it may suggest excess when it refers to spending. It is useful where simply saying 'gave' would understate the scale or extravagance of the act, and where a vivid, polished description is preferred.
To give, award, or provide something in great abundance, especially money, praise, attention, or care.
"The organizers lavished the performers with applause and bouquets."
Often used in formal contexts and with praise, attention, care, money, gifts, or hospitality.
To spend money or resources extravagantly or wastefully.
"The production lavished money on costumes and scenery."
This use can imply criticism because the spending is excessive or unnecessary.
The word lavish suggests abundance so generous that it can border on extravagance, whether the gift is money, praise, or attention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lavished come from?
The word lavish developed in English in the 16th century, with the adjective earlier than the verb. Its precise origin is uncertain, and the verb ultimately derives from forms connected with Old French; the modern sense of giving or spending abundantly developed from the adjective's earlier associations with abundance and excess. Related English forms include the adjective lavish and the adverb lavishly.
Related word forms
How lavished is actually used
Generally formal or descriptive; it can carry a slightly critical implication when describing excessive spending. The verb is normally used in the past tense or past participle as 'lavished'.