What does lavishing mean?
Lavishing is the present participle of lavish and is used most often to describe giving or spending something in large, generous, or excessive amounts. People lavish attention, praise, affection, gifts, or hospitality on others, while organizations may lavish money or resources on a project. The word often carries a strongly approving sense of generosity and abundance, especially in expressions such as “lavishing hospitality” or “lavishing care.” It can also imply wastefulness when the quantity involved seems unreasonable. As an adjective, lavishing describes unusually generous treatment or provision. Although “lavish” and “lavishing” are closely related in meaning and origin, “lavishing” emphasizes an action or an ongoing display of generosity. It is a useful word for describing both heartfelt generosity and conspicuous excess.
Generous or abundant in the treatment of people, provision of something, or use of resources.
"The hotel offered lavishing hospitality to its guests."
Less common as a standalone adjective than the verbal use of lavishing.
Giving or spending something freely, generously, or excessively.
"The designer was lavishing attention to every detail of the room."
This is the present participle of lavish and commonly takes an object such as attention, praise, money, care, or hospitality.
The word behind lavishing once referred to a torrent of water, so its modern sense of abundance is a fittingly extravagant development.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lavishing come from?
The word comes through Middle English lavish, an adjective meaning “excessive” or “abundant,” from Anglo-French lavasse, meaning “a torrent of water,” ultimately from Latin lavare, “to wash.” The modern verb sense “to give or spend lavishly” developed from that adjective, and lavishing is its present participle. Related words include lavatory and lave, both of which ultimately come from Latin lavare.
Related word forms
How lavishing is actually used
Lavishing is usually positive in its sense of generosity, but it can suggest waste or excess when the amount given is excessive. Phrases such as “lavishing praise” may be sincere or ironic depending on context.
Easily confused with lavishing
Lavishing means giving or spending generously, whereas lashing means whipping, striking, or sharply criticizing.