rich

rich [rich]

adj.

[ME riche < OE & OFr: OE rice, noble, powerful: see RIGHT]

1. having more than enough of material possessions; owning much money or property; wealthy

2. having abundant natural resources [a rich country]

3. well-supplied (with); abounding ( in) [rich in minerals]

4. worth much; valuable [a rich prize]

5. of valuable materials or fine, elaborate workmanship; costly and elegant [rich gifts]

6. elaborate; luxurious; sumptuous [a rich banquet]

7. having an abundance of good constituents or qualities; specif.,

a) full of nutritious or choice ingredients, esp. fats and sugar, and spices, etc. [rich pastries]

b) full of strength and flavor; full-bodied [rich coffee]

8.

a) full, deep, and mellow: said of sounds, the voice, etc.

b) deep; intense; vivid: said of colors

c) very fragrant: said of odors

9. having a high proportion of fuel to air [a rich fuel mixture]

10. abundant; plentiful; ample [a rich fund of stories]

11. yielding or producing in abundance, as soil, mines, etc.

12. Informal

a) abounding in humor; very amusing

b) absurd; preposterous

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the rich

wealthy people collectively

richness

n.

SYN.- RICH is the general word for one who has more money or income-producing property than is necessary to satisfy normal needs; WEALTHY adds to this connotations of grand living, influence in the community, a tradition of richness, etc. [a wealthy banker ]; AFFLUENT suggests a continuing increase of riches and lavish spending resulting from it [to live in affluent circumstances ]; OPULENT suggests the possession of great wealth as displayed in luxurious or ostentatious living [an opulent mansion ]; WELL-TO-DO implies sufficient prosperity for easy living

-ANT. POOR