What does opulence mean?
Opulence means wealth, luxury, or lavish abundance, especially when it is visibly expressed through expensive possessions, elegant surroundings, or a grand way of life. The word often carries an association with extravagance and display, distinguishing it from the more neutral word wealth, which can include money held without any obvious signs of luxury. In more abstract uses, opulence can refer to an abundance of resources, beauty, or cultural richness: a landscape may possess natural opulence, for example. The term is formal and literary, and it is often associated with aristocratic or exceptionally prosperous settings. Its related adjective, opulent, is especially common in descriptions of lavish interiors, food, vegetation, and architecture. Together, the noun and adjective convey a sense of richness that is both material and sensuous, making opulence especially effective when discussing luxury, display, and abundance.
nounGreat wealth or luxury, especially when displayed with extravagance. The word can also refer to an abundance of resources or richness.
- Wealth or luxury displayed with extravagance.
- Great abundance or richness of resources.
- The quality of being lavish, abundant, or sumptuous.
"The palace was filled with opulence, from its marble halls to its richly decorated ceilings."
"The designer's home reflected an unmistakable opulence, with bespoke furniture and rare artwork."
"The region’s opulence is most visible in its fertile farmland and thriving cultural institutions."
The plural is used when referring to different instances or forms of wealth, luxury, or lavish abundance.
"The novel explores the contrasting opulences of the city and the countryside."
Opulence captures not merely having money, but the striking abundance of what money can buy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does opulence come from?
The word comes from Latin opulentia, meaning wealth or abundance. It was derived from opulens, a form of opulentus meaning wealthy or abundant, which in turn was related to ops, a Latin word for wealth or resources. English borrowed the noun in the 16th century, and the related adjective opulent developed alongside it.
Related word forms
How opulence is actually used
Opulence is a formal and often literary word. It usually suggests conspicuous or luxurious abundance, but it can also describe rich natural resources or an exceptionally rich cultural landscape. The related adjective opulent is more commonly used when describing a particular object, place, or period.
Easily confused with opulence
Opulence is a noun meaning wealth or luxury, whereas opulent is an adjective describing something that is wealthy, abundant, or sumptuous.