e-x-t-r-a-v-a-g-a-n-c-e
EXTRAVAGANCE means excessive or wasteful spending, lavish or immoderate behavior, or something that goes beyond reasonable limits.
25
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
EXTRAVAGANCE refers to behavior or spending that exceeds what is reasonable, appropriate, or necessary. It implies going beyond normal bounds, whether in expenditure, behavior, or artistic expression. While sometimes associated with wastefulness, extravagance can also denote spectacular magnificence or bold creativity. The word captures both negative connotations (wasteful excess) and positive ones (impressive grandeur). In fashion, art, and entertainment, extravagance often represents creative boldness and visual splendor.Common manifestations of extravagance:
The word extravagance comes from Medieval Latin extravagantia, from extravagari meaning "to wander outside or beyond." This combines extra- (outside, beyond) + vagari (to wander), from vagus (wandering). Originally, in the 14th century, it meant "wandering beyond bounds" or "straying from the proper path." The financial sense of "excessive spending" developed in the 17th century. The word literally means "wandering outside" - a perfect metaphor for going beyond normal limits. Related words include "vagrant" (wanderer) and "vague" (wandering in meaning), all sharing the Latin root vagari.
•Marie Antoinette became a symbol of royal extravagance with her lavish spending at Versailles
•The word "extravaganza" (spectacular show) derives from the same root as extravagance
•In Victorian times, "extravagance" was considered a moral failing, especially for women
•Dubai's Burj Al Arab hotel epitomizes modern architectural extravagance with gold-plated everything
"The wedding's extravagance was evident in the imported flowers and designer decorations."
"His only extravagance was collecting rare books, spending thousands on first editions."
"The director's visual extravagance made the film a feast for the eyes."
Total base points: 25 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 5 | Consonants: 7
Words with similar meaning
Lavishness
Excessive richness
Excess
Going beyond limits
Prodigality
Wasteful spending
Profligacy
Reckless extravagance
Words with opposite meaning
Frugality
Economical spending
Moderation
Reasonable limits
Economy
Careful management
Austerity
Strict simplicity
Adjective Form
extravagant
Her extravagant lifestyle shocked her friends.
Adverb Form
extravagantly
They lived extravagantly beyond their means.
Related Terms
Practice financial restraint
Limit excessive spending
Responsible for overspending
If you can't play EXTRAVAGANCE, consider these subwords:
Extravagance in fashion often pushes creative boundaries. From haute couture's elaborate gowns to avant-garde runway shows, extravagance serves as artistic expression. Designers like Alexander McQueen became famous for extravagant presentations that were more performance art than commerce.
History is filled with tales of extravagance: Roman emperor Caligula's golden palace, Louis XIV's Versailles, and the Gilded Age mansions of Newport. These examples often preceded economic or political downfall, making extravagance a cautionary tale about excess leading to ruin.
In our Instagram age, extravagance has evolved. Social media influencers showcase extravagant lifestyles, while minimalism movements react against such excess. The tension between these extremes reflects broader questions about consumption, values, and what constitutes a meaningful life.
Extravagance vs. Elegance
Extravagance is excess; elegance is refined taste
Extravagance vs. Luxury
Extravagance implies waste; luxury can be justified
Extravagance vs. Extravaganza
Extravagance is behavior; extravaganza is an event
Other valuable words ending in -ANCE with high-value letters in Scrabble
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like EXTRAVAGANCE