the word sybaritic derives from the ancient greek city of sybaris, located in magna graecia. sybaris became proverbial in antiquity for the opulent and hedonistic lifestyle of its citizens, whose wealth from trade fostered a reputation for extreme luxury and sensual indulgence. the latin term sybarita was adopted to describe an inhabitant of this city, carrying these connotations. by adding the adjectival suffix -ic, meaning 'pertaining to', english formed sybaritic to describe anything characteristic of the sybarites, thus evolving from a specific geographic demonym into a general adjective for lavish, pleasure-seeking decadence.

Structure: sybarit (of sybaris) + ic (adjective suffix) sybarit (from latin sybarita, from greek sybaritēs, meaning an inhabitant of sybaris, an ancient greek city in southern italy famed for its wealth and luxury); ic (from latin -icus, from greek -ikos, a suffix forming adjectives meaning 'of, pertaining to, or characteristic of').