First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
extravagant
adjective ex·trav·a·gant \ik-ˈstra-vi-gənt\
: more than is usual, necessary, or proper
: very fancy
: very expensive and not necessary
Full Definition of EXTRAVAGANT
2
a : exceeding the limits of reason or necessity <extravagant claims> b : lacking in moderation, balance, and restraint <extravagant praise> c : extremely or excessively elaborate <an extravagant display>
3
4
: extremely or unreasonably high in price <an extravagant purchase>
— ex·trav·a·gant·ly adverb
See extravagant defined for English-language learners
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Origin of EXTRAVAGANT
Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin extravagant-, extravagans, from Latin extra- + vagant-, vagans, present participle of vagari to wander about, from vagus wandering
Related to EXTRAVAGANT
- Synonyms
- prodigal, high-rolling, profligate, spendthrift, squandering, thriftless, unthrifty, wasteful
- Antonyms
- conserving, economical, economizing, frugal, penny-pinching, scrimping, skimping, thrifty
Synonym Discussion of EXTRAVAGANT
excessive, immoderate, inordinate, extravagant, exorbitant, extreme mean going beyond a normal limit. excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable <excessive punishment>. immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint <immoderate spending>. inordinate implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment <inordinate pride>. extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste <extravagant claims for the product>. exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree <exorbitant prices>. extreme may imply an approach to the farthest limit possible or conceivable but commonly means only to a notably high degree <extreme shyness>.
EXTRAVAGANTLY Defined for Kids
extravagant
adjective ex·trav·a·gant \ik-ˈstra-və-gənt\
Definition of EXTRAVAGANT for Kids
1
: going beyond what is reasonable or suitable <extravagant praise>
2
: wasteful especially of money
— ex·trav·a·gant·ly adverb
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