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

: having abundant possessions and especially material wealth

a : having high value or quality

b : well supplied or endowed <a city rich in traditions>

: magnificently impressive : sumptuous

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>

: highly productive or remunerative <a rich mine>

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>

a : entertaining; also : laughable

b : meaningful, significant <rich allusions>

c : lush <rich meadows>

: pure or nearly pure <rich lime>

— rich·ness noun

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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

First Known Use: before 12th century

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>.