rich
Rich (adj) means having a great deal of money or valuable possessions; wealthy. Example: “He became rich after selling his company.”
How to use rich
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving lots of money, or (more broadly) full of something in abundance — flavour, colour, detail, or resources.
When someone says a statement or complaint is "rich," they mean it's ironic or hypocritical, not literally wealthy.
Word forms
richer comparative, more rich comparative, riched past tense, riches singular, richest superlative, most rich superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He became _____ after selling his company.
Etymology
From Old English rice ("powerful, wealthy"), reinforced later by the related Old French riche. Both trace back to a very old word meaning "king" or "ruler," which is also the source of the name Richard.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for rich
See all rhymes for rich →Frequently asked questions
What does “rich” mean?
The word “rich” means having a great deal of money or valuable possessions; wealthy. In plain terms, having lots of money, or (more broadly) full of something in abundance — flavour, colour, detail, or resources.
How do you pronounce “rich”?
“Rich” is pronounced RIHCH (/ˈɹɪt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “rich” in a sentence?
Here is “rich” used in a sentence: “He became rich after selling his company.”
What part of speech is “rich”?
“Rich” is an adjective.
Where does the word “rich” come from?
The word “rich” comes from Old French. From Old English rice ("powerful, wealthy"), reinforced later by the related Old French riche. Both trace back to a very old word meaning "king" or "ruler," which is also the source of the name Richard.
Is “rich” a common word?
“Rich” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “rich” have?
“Rich” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having a great deal of money or valuable possessions; wealthy.
What is the difference between rich and wealthy?
The words overlap, but many draw a distinction. Being rich suggests having plenty of money coming in or to hand right now. Being wealthy implies lasting assets — property, investments, savings — that keep producing money and endure over time. A high earner can be rich yet not wealthy if little is kept or invested.
What is the opposite of rich?
In the money sense, the opposite of rich is 'poor', with 'broke', 'hard up', and 'impoverished' as related terms. In its other meanings the contrast shifts: a rich, heavy meal is the opposite of a plain or light one, and a rich, deep colour contrasts with a pale or washed-out shade.
Does 'rich' have other meanings?
Yes, several. Food can be rich when it is heavy with butter, cream, or sugar. A colour or sound can be rich when it is deep and full. Soil is rich when fertile, and something can be rich in a quality, like a diet rich in vitamins. The common thread is abundance.
How much money do you need to be rich?
There is no fixed figure. Being rich is relative — it depends on where you live, the local cost of living, and how you compare with those around you. A sum that feels rich in one country may be ordinary in another. The label reflects having far more than enough, rather than any set threshold.
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