luxury
UK[ˈlʌkʃəri]US[ˈlʌɡʒəri]
n
something expensive and enjoyable that is not necessary but gives you pleasure
n
a situation of great comfort and wealth, especially involving expensive possessions and beautiful surroundings
n
the quality of being expensive, comfortable, and beautiful
Morpheme Breakdown
lux
ury
lux
light
ury
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'luxury' traces its origins to the latin 'luxuria', meaning 'excess, extravagance, rank growth'. this latin term itself derives from 'luxus', signifying 'excess, abundance, dislocated', which is thought to be rooted in the proto-indo-european concept of bending or being loose, as in something that deviates from the norm. the semantic journey connects the idea of bending away from necessity or restraint to one of overabundance and indulgence. intriguingly, the latin 'luxus' is unrelated to 'lux' (light), though folk etymology sometimes links them, imagining luxury as something that shines or stands out. the modern meaning evolved through french 'luxurie' to denote a state of great comfort and pleasure derived from non-essential, often opulent, possessions.
Analysis
Structure: lux (light) + ury (noun suffix)
lux is from latin 'lux' meaning 'light'. ury is an english noun-forming suffix, often from latin '-uria' or '-orium', indicating a state, condition, or place.
Examples
the hotel offers every imaginable luxury.
they lived a life of luxury on a private island.
we can't afford such luxuries on our current budget.