extravagant
Meaning: Exceeding what is reasonable or necessary, especially in spending, claims, or behaviour; lacking restraint in the use of resources.
Extravagant can be neutral or mildly disapproving depending on context. 'Extravagant spending' and 'extravagant claims' carry a note of criticism, suggesting waste or exaggeration. But 'an extravagant gift' or 'extravagant praise' can be read as generous, even flattering. In journalism and political commentary, the word often signals scepticism — 'extravagant promises' implies the speaker doubts they can be kept. It collocates readily with 'lifestyle,' 'tastes,' 'gestures,' and 'expenditure.'
Examples
- Critics condemned the extravagant cost of the new parliamentary refurbishment, which ran to over four billion pounds. 批评人士谴责新的议会翻修工程费用奢侈,总额超过四十亿英镑。Los críticos condenaron el extravagante coste de la nueva reforma parlamentaria, que ascendió a más de cuatro mil millones de libras.批評家たちは40億ポンドを超える新議会改修工事の法外な費用を非難した。비평가들은 40억 파운드를 넘긴 새 의회 건물 보수 공사의 과도한 비용을 비난했다.
- His extravagant claims about the product's effectiveness were eventually investigated by the Advertising Standards Authority. 他关于该产品功效的夸大宣称最终受到了广告标准局的调查。Sus extravagantes afirmaciones sobre la eficacia del producto fueron finalmente investigadas por la Autoridad de Normas Publicitarias.製品の効果についての彼の誇大な主張は、最終的に広告基準局の調査を受けた。제품의 효능에 대한 그의 과장된 주장은 결국 광고기준위원회의 조사를 받게 되었다.
- The hotel lobby featured an extravagant floral arrangement that was refreshed twice weekly at considerable expense. 酒店大堂摆放着一组奢华的插花,每周更换两次,费用不菲。El vestíbulo del hotel lucía un extravagante arreglo floral que se renovaba dos veces por semana con un gasto considerable.ホテルのロビーには豪華なフラワーアレンジメントが飾られ、週に2回、かなりの費用をかけて新しいものに替えられていた。호텔 로비에는 화려한 꽃 장식이 놓여 있었으며, 상당한 비용을 들여 일주일에 두 번씩 교체되었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: journalism, professional, literary
Tone: critical
Origin & History
From Medieval Latin extravagantem (wandering beyond), from Latin extra- (outside) + vagari (to wander). The financial sense of excessive spending emerged in the 18th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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