lavish
Meaning
large in amount, or impressive, and usually costing a lot of money
very generous with money, time, or praise
to give something to someone or use something in large amounts
Structure
Usage
the wedding was a lavish affair with hundreds of guests.
she was always lavish with her time, helping anyone in need.
he lavished attention and expensive gifts on his grandchildren.
Etymology
the word 'lavish' originates from the middle english lavas, meaning 'profusion', which was borrowed from the old french lavasse, a derivative of laver ('to wash'). this french verb, in turn, descended from the latin lavare, with the same meaning. the semantic connection lies in the metaphorical extension from the literal act of washing or flowing water to the figurative sense of pouring out or bestowing something in great abundance. the suffix '-ish' was later appended, solidifying its adjectival form to describe something characterized by profuse outpouring, whether of water, money, or praise.
Analysis
lav (from latin lavare, meaning 'to wash'); ish (a common english suffix forming adjectives, often from old english -isc, indicating 'having the nature of').