Words / C1

LAV-ish/ˈlævɪʃ/

Lavish means very generous or luxurious, sometimes too much: a lavish dinner, lavish praise. Generous is everyday and usually kinder; extravagant can criticise the spend. Lavish as a verb is heap (lavish gifts on). Do not lavish catering over an unstaffed shift.

Meaning

Very generous or expensive; more than is needed.

Examples

• “Lavish catering did not hide an unstaffed invigilation.”
• “Generous is everyday. Extravagant stresses waste. Sparse and frugal sit at the other end. To lavish attention on is the verb. Cake is not a fire warden.”

Good to know

Extravagant; richly generous. Everyday: generous. Critic: extravagant. Verb: lavish on. Catering ≠ cover.

Near in meaning

extravagant

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