opulence
opulence
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "opulence" is:
ˈɒpjʊləns
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
op (ˈɒp)
ˈ : primary stress on the first syllable
ɒ : back open rounded vowel sound (like the "o" in "cot")
p : voiceless bilabial stop consonant (like the "p" in "pie")
u (jʊ)
j : voiced palatal approximant consonant (like the "y" in "yes")
u : close back rounded vowel sound (like the "oo" in "boot")
lence (ləns)
l : voiced alveolar lateral approximant consonant (like the "l" in "lake")
ə : schwa sound (a mid central vowel sound, like the neutral vowel in "sofa")
n : voiced alveolar nasal consonant (like the "n" in "nine")
s : voiceless alveolar fricative consonant (like the "s" in "sip")
Word Form Variations
"Opulence" itself has a few interesting things to consider for variations:
Singular and Plural: In most common usage, "opulence" functions as both a singular and plural noun. It refers to a general state of wealth or abundance. So, you could say "the opulence of the palace" or "the opulence of the natural world."
Less Common Plural: Technically, there is a plural form, "opulences." This is rarely used but might appear in very specific contexts where you want to emphasise multiple distinct displays of opulence.
Derivatives: Opulence has some related words:
Adverb: "Opulently" - This describes something done in an opulent way (e.g., "The room was opulently decorated").
Adjective: There isn't a direct adjective form of "opulence," but words like "opulent" or synonyms like "lavish" or "luxurious" can function similarly (e.g., "an opulent lifestyle").
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Definition: Great wealth and luxuriousness as displayed through material possessions and surroundings. (Synonyms: affluence, luxury, lavishness, splendour, extravagance. Antonyms: poverty, austerity, simplicity)
Example: The guests gasped at the opulence of the ballroom, with its crystal chandeliers and gold-trimmed furniture.
Adverb (less common)
Definition: In a way that shows great wealth and luxuriousness. (Synonyms: luxuriously, lavishly, extravagantly. Antonyms: simply, modestly)
Example: The movie star opulently decorated her new mansion with imported marble and priceless artwork. (Note: "Opulently" is less common than using an adjective like "luxuriously" in this context.)
Examples of Use
Books: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is synonymous with opulence, as the lavish parties and extravagant lifestyle of Jay Gatsby epitomize the term.
Newspapers: A headline might read: "Opulence Amidst Economic Crisis Sparks Outrage" (The Guardian, April 2024). This contrasts the luxurious lifestyle of a few with the struggles of the majority.
Online Publications: A fashion blog might review a "Opulent Evening Wear Collection" showcasing gowns adorned with precious stones and luxurious fabrics (Vogue, October 2023).
Entertainment: The reality TV show Keeping Up with the Kardashians often showcased a lifestyle characterized by opulence, from designer clothing to extravagant homes.
General Public Discourse: Phrases like "the opulence of the royal family" or "the opulent lifestyle of celebrities" are common in everyday conversation, often used to describe wealth and luxury.
Platforms: Social media platforms like Instagram are filled with images of opulent lifestyles, often curated to project an image of wealth and success.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Opulence
"The opulence of the court was legendary, but beneath its gilded surface lurked a web of intrigue." - (Fictional quote, historical setting)
"In the midst of such opulence, it's easy to forget the struggles of the world outside these gilded walls." - (Original quote, reflecting on wealth disparity)
"Opulence without elegance is vulgarity." - (Original quote, focusing on taste)
"The opulence of the natural world is a constant source of wonder and inspiration." - (Original quote, nature-focused)
"Beneath the veneer of opulence, many of the wealthy are plagued by loneliness." - (Original quote, exploring wealth and solitude)
"True opulence lies not in material possessions, but in the richness of human connection." - (Original quote, emphasizing values over wealth)
"The Roman Empire was a testament to both human ingenuity and opulence." - (Historical reference)
"In a world obsessed with opulence, it's refreshing to find someone who appreciates simplicity." - (Original quote, contrasting opulence and simplicity)
"The opulence of the Renaissance was a catalyst for artistic and intellectual growth." - (Historical reference)
"While opulence can be alluring, it's important to remember that true happiness comes from within." - (Original quote, focusing on inner wealth)
Etymology
Opulence comes from the Latin word "opulentia," which means "wealthy." So, basically, it's a fancy way to say "rich" or "having a lot of money."
The word started being used in English around the early 1500s. People used it to describe things that were really expensive, fancy, and showed off a lot of wealth.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Opulence
Live in opulence: To live a very luxurious and wealthy lifestyle.
Opulence and excess: Suggests a lifestyle characterized by extreme wealth and overindulgence.
Drenched in opulence: Describes something that is extremely luxurious and lavish.
Symbol of opulence: Something that represents wealth and luxury.
Aura of opulence: A feeling or atmosphere of great wealth and luxury.
Opulence and extravagance: Emphasizes excessive luxury and spending.
Radiate opulence: To exude an air of great wealth and luxury.
Immersed in opulence: Completely surrounded by luxury and wealth.
Posts Related to Opulence
Source Information
Definition of opulence from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
