rich

adjective Etymology: 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 Date: before 12th century 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

> • richness noun Synonyms: 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

>.