First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
rich
adjective \ˈrich\
: having a lot of money and possessions
: very expensive and beautiful, impressive, etc.
: having or supplying a large amount of something that is wanted or needed
Full Definition of RICH
1
: having abundant possessions and especially material wealth
2
a : having high value or quality b : well supplied or endowed <a city rich in traditions>
3
: magnificently impressive : sumptuous
4
a : vivid and deep in color <a rich red> b : full and mellow in tone and quality <a rich voice> c : having a strong fragrance <rich perfumes>
5
: highly productive or remunerative <a rich mine>
6
a : having abundant plant nutrients <rich soil> b : highly seasoned, fatty, oily, or sweet <rich foods> c : high in the combustible component <a rich fuel mixture> d : high in some component <cholesterol-rich foods>
7
a : entertaining; also : laughable b : meaningful, significant <rich allusions> c : lush <rich meadows>
8
: pure or nearly pure <rich lime>
— rich·ness noun
See rich defined for English-language learners
See rich defined for kids
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Origin of RICH
Middle English riche, from Old English rīce; akin to Old High German rīhhi rich, Old English rīce kingdom, Old High German rīhhi, noun; all from prehistoric Germanic words borrowed from Celtic words akin to Old Irish rí (genitive ríg) king — more at royal
Related to RICH
- Synonyms
- affluent, deep-pocketed, fat, fat-cat, flush, loaded, moneyed (also monied), opulent, silk-stocking, wealthy, well-endowed, well-fixed, well-heeled, well-off, well-to-do, in the chips
- Antonyms
- destitute, impecunious, impoverished, indigent, needy, penniless, penurious, poor, poverty-stricken
Synonym Discussion of RICH
rich, wealthy, affluent, opulent mean having goods, property, and money in abundance. rich implies having more than enough to gratify normal needs or desires <became rich through shrewd investing>. wealthy stresses the possession of property and intrinsically valuable things <wealthy landowners>. affluent suggests prosperity and an increasing wealth <an affluent society>. opulent suggests lavish expenditure and display of great wealth, more often applying to things than people <an opulent mansion>.
Rich
biographical name \ˈrich\
Definition of RICH
Adrienne Cecile 1929–2012 Am. poet
RICH Defined for Kids
rich
adjective \ˈrich\
rich·errich·est
Definition of RICH for Kids
1
: having a lot of money and possessions : wealthy <rich people>
3
: well supplied : abundant <The city is rich in tradition.>
4
: fertile 1 <rich soil>
5
: containing much sugar, fat, or seasoning <rich food>
6
: deep and pleasing in color or tone
— rich·ly adverb
— rich·ness noun
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