Opulently

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that displays great richness and luxury, this adverb characterizes actions that reflect abundant opulence and extravagant splendor
2. This term conveys a sense of doing something richly and lavishly, emphasizing an abundance of wealth and magnificence
3. In a manner that exemplifies lavishness and grandeur, this adverb describes actions that embody extreme wealth and luxurious excess

Etymology: Opulently is a plain formation: the adjective "opulent" with the adverb suffix "-ly" added. The adjective comes from Latin "opulentus," meaning rich or wealthy, which itself grew from "ops," meaning wealth, resources or power. The suffix has a longer ancestry than the base word. It traces back through Proto-Germanic "-līkaz," meaning having the form or appearance of, to Old English "-līċe," which was the regular way to turn an adjective into an adverb. The suffix is the part of this word with the deepest English roots. Its Germanic form was "-līk," a word about bodily form or appearance, so English adverbs like "quickly" and "likely" share the same ending. Old English "-līċe" was attached to native adjectives for centuries, and Middle English later shortened it to "-ly," which is the form still used today. The ending was joined to an adjective borrowed from Latin, so the result combines an old native suffix with a classical root. Its meaning follows the adjective: an action done opulently is one carried out in the manner of abundant wealth.

Synonyms: luxuriously, sumptuously, lavishly, extravagantly, richly

Antonyms: plainly, modestly, simply, humble, poorly