Word of the Day

: May 7, 2007

sumptuous

adjective SUMP-shuh-wus

What It Means

: extremely costly, rich, luxurious, or magnificent

sumptuous in Context

"Austere on the outside, the Genoese palazzi's interiors are sumptuous and gilded, bursting with frescoes, mirrors, and tapestries...." (Gabriella de Ferrari, Travel & Leisure, September 1994)

Did You Know?

The word "sumptuous" can be used to describe both lush surroundings and rich desserts, and it has an equally rich history. The word, which appeared in English in the 15th century, derives via Middle English from the Latin noun "sumptus," meaning "expense." "Sumptus" is related to the Latin verb "sumere," which means "take" or "spend" and from which we get a treasure trove of useful verbs: "consume" ("to use up or spend"), "subsume" ("to include or place in something larger"), "resume" ("to take up again"), and "assume" ("to take upon oneself"). Another "sumere" descendant is our adjective "sumptuary," which means "relating to one's extravagant expenditures."