lavish
UK[ˈlævɪʃ]US[ˈlævɪʃ]
adj
large in amount, or impressive, and usually costing a lot of money
adj
very generous with money, time, or praise
v
to give something to someone or use something in large amounts
Morpheme Breakdown
lav
ish
lav
to wash
ish
adjective suffix
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
Structure: lav (to wash) + ish (adjective suffix)
lav (from latin lavare, meaning 'to wash'); ish (a common english suffix forming adjectives, often from old english -isc, indicating 'having the nature of').
Examples
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.