rich

rich

adj \ˈrich\

Definition of RICH

1

: having abundant possessions and especially material wealth

2

a : having high value or quality b : well supplied or endowed <a city rich in traditions>

3

: magnificently impressive : sumptuous

4

a : vivid and deep in color <a rich red> b : full and mellow in tone and quality <a rich voice> c : having a strong fragrance <rich perfumes>

5

: highly productive or remunerative <a rich mine>

6

a : having abundant plant nutrients <rich soil> b : highly seasoned, fatty, oily, or sweet <rich foods> c : high in the combustible component <a rich fuel mixture> d : high in some component <cholesterol-rich foods>

7

a : entertaining; also : laughable b : meaningful, significant <rich allusions> c : lush <rich meadows>

8

: pure or nearly pure <rich lime>

— rich·ness noun

Examples of RICH

1. Her investments have made her rich.
2. The dictionary is a rich source of information.
3. a rich and spicy soup
4. The food was a little too rich for me.
5. Their country has a rich cultural heritage.
6. This area has a rich history.
7. She has a rich vocabulary.

Origin of RICH

Middle English riche, from Old English rīce; akin to Old High German rīhhi rich, Old English rīce kingdom, Old High German rīhhi, noun; all from prehistoric Germanic words borrowed from Celtic words akin to Old Irish rí (genitive ríg) king — more at royal

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to RICH

Synonyms: affluent, deep-pocketed, fat, fat-cat, flush, loaded, moneyed (also monied), opulent, silk-stocking, wealthy, well-endowed, well-fixed, well-heeled, well-off, well-to-do, in the chips

Antonyms: destitute, impecunious, impoverished, indigent, needy, penniless, penurious, poor, poverty-stricken

Related Words: better-off, comfortable, propertied, prosperous, substantial, successful; flourishing, prospering, thriving; advantaged, blessed (also blest), privileged

Near Antonyms: unaffluent; deprived, disadvantaged, hand-to-mouth, underprivileged; bankrupt, bankrupted, beggared, broke, indebted, insolvent, pauperized, ruined, skint [chiefly British]; depressed, pinched, reduced, straitened; low, short

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of RICH

rich, wealthy, affluent, opulent mean having goods, property, and money in abundance. rich implies having more than enough to gratify normal needs or desires <became rich through shrewd investing>. wealthy stresses the possession of property and intrinsically valuable things <wealthy landowners>. affluent suggests prosperity and an increasing wealth <an affluent society>. opulent suggests lavish expenditure and display of great wealth, more often applying to things than people <an opulent mansion>.

Rhymes with RICH

bitch, ditch, fitch, flitch, glitch, hitch, itch, kitsch, niche, pitch, quitch, snitch, stitch, such, switch, twitch, which, witch