Reading Theme:
Extravagant Meaning, Usage and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：excessively lavish (extravagant)
extravagant
/ɪkˈstrævəɡənt/
adj.
Spending a lot of money on things you don't really need, in a way that seems wasteful.
excessively lavish
➕
/ɪkˈsɛsɪvli ˈlævɪʃ/
adj.
Spending money in a way that is not necessary or reasonable, often to show off or indulge oneself.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'extra-' (outside) + 'vagari' (to wander), meaning to go beyond normal bounds.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'extra' + 'vagabond'—a vagabond with extra money spends it wildly beyond reason.
📖 Example
Even though my old phone works perfectly, buying the latest model just for its color was a bit extravagant.
Even though my old phone still works well, purchasing the newest model just for its color was somewhat excessive.
🔗 Collocations
extravagant spending – spending large amounts of money wastefully
extravagant lifestyle – a way of living that involves excessive luxury and waste
extravagant gift – a very expensive or overly generous present
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
frugal (adj.) – Sparing or economical with regard to money or food.
thrifty (adj.) – Using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully.
economical (adj.) – Giving good value or service in relation to the amount of money spent.
🌱 Derivatives
extravagance (n.) – The quality of being extravagant; excessive spending.
extravagantly (adv.) – In a way that involves excessive spending or exaggeration.
📖 Cultural Story
First recorded in the 15th century from Latin 'extravagans'. Shakespeare used it in 'Henry V' to depict excessive spending, cementing its modern sense of wasteful luxury.
Meaning 2：excessively exaggerated (extravagant)
extravagant
/ɪkˈstrævəɡənt/
adj.
Praise, ideas, or behavior that are too much, over the top, and not realistic.
excessively exaggerated
➕
/ɪkˈsɛsɪvli ɪɡˈzædʒəreɪtɪd/
adj.
Describing praise, ideas, or actions that are exaggerated beyond reason, often making them seem unrealistic or insincere.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Her extravagant praise for my simple drawing - calling it a 'masterpiece' - actually made me feel a bit embarrassed.
Her excessive praise for my simple sketch, calling it a 'masterpiece', actually made me feel somewhat embarrassed.
🔗 Collocations
extravagant praise – overly flattering or exaggerated commendation
extravagant claim – a statement that is exaggerated or unrealistic
extravagant gesture – an overly dramatic or excessive act
🔄 Synonyms
exaggerated (adj.) – Represented as larger, better, or worse than in reality.
excessive (adj.) – More than is necessary, reasonable, or acceptable.
effusive (adj.) – Expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained manner.
🚫 Antonyms
moderate (adj.) – Not excessive or extreme; within reasonable limits.
restrained (adj.) – Characterized by reserve or moderation; not excessive.
understated (adj.) – Presented or expressed in a subtle and effective way; not exaggerated.
🌱 Derivatives
extravagance (n.) – The quality of being excessive or exaggerated.
extravagantly (adv.) – In an excessive or exaggerated manner.
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