lavish

Lavish is a word that describes abundance or extravagance in amount, quality, or manner. As an adjective, it refers to things that are rich, elaborate, or luxurious far beyond what is necessary or expected. It can convey admiration for opulence, or criticize excess, depending on context. As a verb, to lavish something on someone means to bestow it in generous or excessive quantities, often with a sense of abundance rather than restraint.

Common collocations include lavish lifestyle, lavish spending, lavish meals, and lavish gifts. Phrases such as lavish praise, lavish hospitality, or lavishly decorated indicate generosity of presentation or production. The term can carry positive connotations of generosity and abundance, or negative ones of waste and imprudence, again depending on context.

Etymology: The word appears in English in the late Middle Ages. Its exact origins are uncertain, but it developed from earlier forms meaning abundance or generosity and broadened to cover displays of expense and ornamentation.

Related terms include extravagance, prodigal, opulent, sumptuous, and lavishness. Antonyms include frugal, modest, and sparing. In usage, lavishing is often contrasted with restraint in discussions of spending, design, or praise.