English

opulently

gb/əpjələntli/ us/əpjələntli/
C1 English
Senses
0 senses
adverb formal C1 property
1

in a luxurious, expensive way

in a very rich and luxurious way

Usage pattern: [someone] [lives/dresses/travels] opulently; opulently + [furnished/decorated/dressed]
Common mistake:
Often confused with spelling/pronunciation of "openly" or "opportunity"; note the root is "opulent" (rich, luxurious).
Synonyms
luxuriously (Most direct everyday equivalent.) | lavishly (Emphasizes generous spending and showiness.) | sumptuously (More literary; highlights impressive richness.) | richly (Often focuses on decoration or material quality.)
Antonyms
plainly (Without luxury or decoration.) | modestly (Not showing wealth; deliberately simple.) | austerely (Severely plain, sometimes by choice.)
Collocations
opulently furnished |opulently decorated |opulently appointed |opulently dressed |opulently rich |opulently luxurious |opulently lit |opulently carpeted |opulently styled |opulently restored
Themes
money |lifestyle |travel |housing |fashion
Examples
  • They stayed in an opulently decorated hotel overlooking the harbor.
  • The dining room was opulently furnished, with velvet chairs and gold-framed mirrors.
  • She arrived opulently dressed in a silk gown and diamond earrings.
Learner examples
  • The apartment is opulently furnished.
  • They live opulently.
adverb literary C2 property
2

richly or abundantly (figurative)

in a way that is very rich or full

Usage pattern: opulently + [colored/flavored/detailed]
Common mistake:
This figurative use is less common than the wealth/luxury sense; avoid it in casual writing unless the tone is intentionally descriptive.
Synonyms
richly (Most common for color, taste, or description.) | abundantly (Emphasizes plenty rather than luxury.) | profusely (Suggests an overflowing amount.) | lavishly (Suggests richness and excess in detail.)
Antonyms
sparsely (With few details or elements.) | scantily (With not enough richness or amount.) | plainly (Without richness of detail or texture.)
Collocations
opulently colored |opulently flavoured |opulently detailed |opulently textured |opulently layered |opulently described
Themes
arts |food_and_drink |writing
Examples
  • The walls were opulently colored in deep blues and reds.
  • The sauce was opulently spiced, with a warm, lingering heat.
  • Her prose is opulently detailed, sometimes to the point of excess.
Learner examples
  • The room is opulently colored.
  • The dish is opulently spiced.
Grammar
Dictionary form
opulently
IPA
GB/əpjələntli/
US/əpjələntli/
Syllables & stress
op - u - lently (3 syllables)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: opulently
  • Plural: opulentlies
Word family
Forms
opulentlies noun
Core family
opulent adjective C1 opulence noun C1
Related words
luxury noun B1 luxurious adjective B2
Expressions

No expressions linked to this entry yet.

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