riches
Riches (noun) means Great wealth, especially in the form of money, property, or valuable possessions. Example: “He gave up a life of riches to become a monk.”
How to use riches
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWealth — money and valuable things, especially a lot of it.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He gave up a life of _____ to become a monk.
Etymology
From Middle English riches, the plural of riche ("power, wealth"), from Old English rice. It was later reinforced and reshaped by the unrelated-looking Old French richesse.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “riches” mean?
The word “riches” means great wealth, especially in the form of money, property, or valuable possessions. In plain terms, wealth — money and valuable things, especially a lot of it.
How do you pronounce “riches”?
“Riches” is pronounced riht-shihz (/ɹɪt͡ʃɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “riches” in a sentence?
Here is “riches” used in a sentence: “He gave up a life of riches to become a monk.”
What part of speech is “riches”?
“Riches” is a noun.
Where does the word “riches” come from?
The word “riches” comes from Old French. From Middle English riches, the plural of riche ("power, wealth"), from Old English rice. It was later reinforced and reshaped by the unrelated-looking Old French richesse.
Is “riches” a common word?
“Riches” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "riches" and "wealth"?
"Wealth" is an abstract, uncountable noun for the state of being rich, while "riches" specifically emphasizes the actual valuable things possessed, such as money, property, or valuables. "Riches" is often used in a more literary or emphatic way, as in "the riches of the kingdom."
Is "riches" singular or plural?
"Riches" is a plural noun and always takes a plural verb, as in "his riches are legendary." There is no singular form "a riche"; to refer to one instance of wealth, English speakers use words like "fortune" or "wealth" instead.
What is the difference between "riches" and "richness"?
"Riches" refers to actual wealth or valuable possessions, while "richness" refers to the quality of being rich, full, or abundant, and can apply to non-material things like flavor, color, or experience. You can speak of the "richness" of a soup but not its "riches."