opulent
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “opulent” mean?
adjective.ostentatiously rich and luxurious or lavish.
SAT Usage
the term often appears in passages discussing wealth, luxury, or societal status, frequently in the context of art, architecture, or lifestyle. It emphasizes not just richness, but a sense of extravagance and showiness, distinguishing it from similar words like "luxurious," which may not carry the same implication of ostentation.
Common Confusions
Opulent implies a display of wealth and extravagance, while luxurious usually suggests comfort and elegance without the same emphasis on showiness.
Do not choose opulent if the context emphasizes simplicity or modesty rather than being ostentatiously rich and luxurious or lavish.
Example Sentences
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The hotel lobby was opulent, filled with gold and marble.