English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
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adj

rich

RIHCH
adj
1
Having a great deal of money or valuable possessions; wealthy.
"He became rich after selling his company."
"Rich or poor, everyone waited in the same queue."
2
Having a strong, deep, or intense quality, especially of flavour, colour, or sound.
"The cake had a rich chocolate flavour."
"She spoke in a rich, deep voice."
3
Abundant or plentiful in something valuable.
"The soil here is rich in minerals."
"The museum has a rich collection of ancient artefacts."
4
Absurd or outrageous, especially in a way that seems hypocritical.
"That's rich, coming from the person who started the argument."

How to Use Rich

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving lots of money, or (more broadly) full of something in abundance — flavour, colour, detail, or resources.

Common mistake

When someone says a statement or complaint is "rich," they mean it's ironic or hypocritical, not literally wealthy.

Common pairings
filthy rich rich in nutrients rich flavour

Word Forms

richer comparative, more rich comparative, riched past tense, riches singular, richest superlative, most rich superlative

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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.

Rhymes for rich

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial