1
Core quality
Rich, luxurious, and often elaborately decorated.
Example
The palace's opulent interior displayed marble, gold, and carved wood.
opulent
/ˈɒpjələnt/ · OP-yuh-luntadjective
Rich, luxurious, and often elaborately decorated.
Use opulent to express this relationship precisely: rich, luxurious, and often elaborately decorated.
What opulent Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The once-opulent theatre had fallen into disrepair.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
An opulent reception hall contrasted with the building's plain exterior.
Use opulent Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The palace's opulent interior displayed marble, gold, and carved wood.
The once-opulent theatre had fallen into disrepair.
An opulent reception hall contrasted with the building's plain exterior.
Precision Matters
Opulent overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
opulent
vs.Means rich, luxurious, and often elaborately decorated.
austere
Means severe or strict in manner; lacking luxury.
opulent
vs.Means rich, luxurious, and often elaborately decorated.
imposing
Means very large and impressive in appearance.
opulent
vs.Means rich, luxurious, and often elaborately decorated.
copious
Means abundant or plentiful in quantity.
opulent
vs.Means rich, luxurious, and often elaborately decorated.
exorbitant
Means unreasonably high or excessive.
Test opulent in Context
The residence is richly and luxuriously decorated.
1
Silk wall coverings, gilded ceilings, and imported marble made the residence exceptionally ___.