ENGLISH
REFERENCE

luxury

n. C / U
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈɫəɡʒɝi// UK //lˈʌkʃəɹˌi// lux·u·ry Archaic General-service

n. something that is expensive and pleasant but not really necessary. You use this to describe things that provide great comfort or status.

n. a state of great comfort or elegance involving great expense; an item or experience that is desirable but not essential.


SIMPLE

A hot bath is a real luxury after a long day.

CONTEXTUAL

While they had enough money for food and rent, they could rarely afford the luxury of eating at a restaurant.

COMPLEX

The hotel offers every imaginable luxury, from private chauffeurs to personal chefs, catering to a clientele that views such amenities as standard requirements rather than occasional indulgences.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English luxurie, from Old French luxurie, from Latin luxuria (“rankness, luxury”), from luxus (“extravagance, luxury”).

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general state of comfort; countable when referring to specific items or experiences.

Idioms1 entry

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