high-living
UK[ˌhaɪ ˈlɪv.ɪŋ]US[ˌhaɪ ˈlɪv.ɪŋ]
adj
Involving or characterized by a luxurious and extravagant lifestyle, often involving much spending on pleasure and comfort.
Morpheme Breakdown
high
living
high
elevated
living
way of life
Etymology
The compound 'high-living' is a relatively modern English formation, combining two native Germanic elements. The adjective 'high' extends its core meaning of physical elevation to signify an elevated or exalted state, in this case, a superior standard of existence. 'Living', derived from the verb 'to live', concretizes into a noun describing one's manner or conduct of life. When fused, the term creates a figurative image of a life conducted at a lofty, extravagant level, directly linking the concept of spatial height to social and material excess. It encapsulates the logic of using a vertical metaphor ('high') to represent qualitative superiority in lifestyle.
Analysis
Structure: high (elevated) + living (way of life)
- high: From Old English hēah, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hoog and German hoch. Functions as an adjective/adverb intensifier meaning 'of great vertical extent' or 'of great or exalted degree'.
- living: From Old English lifian 'to live', of Germanic origin. The noun form 'living' denotes the manner or style of life.
Examples
His high-living habits, with constant parties and expensive cars, quickly drained his inheritance.
The magazine article exposed the corrupt official's high-living on public funds.
After years of frugality, she indulged in a brief period of high-living during her vacation.