adv · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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/ˈlævɪʃli/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:L AE1 V IH0 SH L IY0
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adv
Meaning 1
In a lavish manner, expending profusely.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
He was noted to entertain lavishly, throwing the biggest and best parties in town.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
adverb
Meaning 2
in a rich and lavish manner
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
lavishly decorated
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: richly, extravagantly
Antonyms: none provided
3
adverb
Meaning 3
in a wasteful manner
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
the United States, up to the 1920s, used fuel lavishly, mainly because it was so cheap
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: extravagantly
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
From Middle English lavausly, equivalent to lavish + -ly.
Across languages
Translations
20 source translations are retained for this English entry.
