Lavish vs. Lush — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
Lavish implies opulence and excessive expenditure; lush describes abundant, luxurious growth or richness in appearance.
Difference Between Lavish and Lush
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lavish is often used to describe actions or styles characterized by extravagance and profusion, particularly in spending or decoration. Whereas, lush is typically used to refer to dense, rich vegetation or something luxuriant in appearance.
Lavish is associated with the idea of generosity or excess, often in a way that exceeds practical needs. On the other hand, lush describes environments or visuals that are filled with a healthy, flourishing abundance.
Lavish can imply a sense of sophistication or over-the-top indulgence, such as a lavish party. Whereas lush might be used more to describe natural settings or richly detailed imagery, like a lush forest or a lush tapestry.
Lavish can have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting unnecessary excess. In contrast, lush almost always carries a positive tone, emphasizing vitality and appealing fullness.
Lavish furnishings might include gold-plated fixtures and ornate details, whereas lush decor would feature an abundance of plants, greenery, and vibrant colors.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Marked by extravagance or generosity.
Abundant and luxurious in growth.
Usage in context
Often relates to spending or lifestyle.
Primarily describes vegetation or visuals.
Connotation
Can be pejorative, implying excess.
Generally positive, implies richness.
Typical associations
Luxury items, grand parties.
Dense forests, rich textures.
Example environments
Opulent homes, extravagant events.
Fertile gardens, vibrant landscapes.
Compare with Definitions
Lavish
Overly elaborate or ornate.
The lavish costumes in the play drew everyone's attention.
Lush
Growing thickly and strongly in a way that is visually attractive.
The backyard was lush with flowers and shrubs.
Lavish
Given or spent in profusion.
They were lavish with their hospitality.
Lush
Very rich and providing great sensory pleasure.
The lush greenery of the rainforest was breathtaking.
Lavish
Extravagantly rich or luxurious.
The lavish banquet included caviar and champagne.
Lush
Luxuriously rich and opulent.
The hotel lobby was decorated with lush carpets and curtains.
Lavish
Using or giving in great amounts.
The decorator was lavish with bright colors and fabrics.
Lush
Characterized by richness and abundance.
The movie's lush scenery made it a visual feast.
Lavish
Very generous or liberal in giving or spending.
His lavish praise made her blush.
Lush
Having or characterized by luxuriant vegetation
A lush valley.
Lavish
Characterized by or produced with extravagance and profusion
A lavish buffet.
Lush
Abundant; plentiful.
Lavish
Immoderate in giving or bestowing; unstinting
The critics were lavish with their praise.
Lush
Extravagant or luxurious, as in ornamentation
The lush decor of a grand hotel.
Lavish
To give or bestow in abundance; shower
Lavished attention on his customers.
Lush
Extremely pleasing to the senses
A lush scent.
Lush fruit.
The lush sounds of an orchestra.
Lavish
To give something in abundance to
"The aides began lavishing him with kindnesses" (Kay Marie Porterfield).
Lush
Voluptuous or sensual
"[His]eyes swept over her lush young body until she was all the way out the door" (Clark Howard).
Lavish
Expending or bestowing profusely; profuse; prodigal.
Lavish of money;
Lavish of praise
Lush
A drunkard.
Lavish
Superabundant; excessive.
Lavish spirits
Lavish meal
Lush
To cause to get drunk.
Lavish
(obsolete) Unrestrained, impetuous.
Lush
Juicy, succulent.
Lavish
(transitive) To give out extremely generously; to squander.
They lavished money on the dinner.
Lush
(dialectal) Mellow; soft; (of ground or soil) easily turned; fertile.
Lavish
(transitive) To give out to (somebody) extremely generously.
They lavished him with praise.
Lush
(of vegetation) Dense, teeming with life; luxuriant.
Lavish
(obsolete) Excessive abundance or expenditure, profusion, prodigality.
Lush
(of food) Savoury, delicious.
That meal was lush! We have to go to that restaurant again sometime!
Lavish
Expending or bestowing profusely; profuse; prodigal; as, lavish of money; lavish of praise.
Lush
Thriving; rife; sumptuous.
Lavish
Superabundant; excessive; as, lavish spirits.
Let her have needful, but not lavish, means.
Lush
Amazing, cool, fantastic, wicked.
Your voice is lush, Lucy! I could listen to it all day!
Lavish
To expend or bestow with profusion; to use with prodigality; to squander; as, to lavish money or praise.
Lush
(obsolete) Lax; slack; limp; flexible.
Lavish
Expend profusely; also used with abstract nouns;
He was showered with praise
Lush
A drunkard, sot, alcoholic.
Lavish
Very generous;
Distributed gifts with a lavish hand
The critics were lavish in their praise
A munificent gift
His father gave him a half-dollar and his mother a quarter and he thought them munificent
Prodigal praise
Unsparing generosity
His unstinted devotion
Called for unstinting aid to Britain
Lush
(slang) Intoxicating liquor.
Lavish
Characterized by extravagance and profusion;
A lavish buffet
A lucullan feast
Lush
A person who enjoys talking about themselves.
Am I humble or am I a lush?
Lush
(ambitransitive) To drink (liquor) to excess.
Lush
Full of juice or succulence.
How lush and lusty the grass looks! how green!
Lush
Having thick and luxurient vegetation.
Lush
Characterized by abundance or luxurience; rich.
Lush
Liquor, esp. intoxicating liquor; drink.
Lush
An habitual drunkard.
Lush
A person who drinks alcohol to excess habitually
Lush
Produced or growing in extreme abundance;
Their riotous blooming
Lush
Characterized by extravagance and profusion;
A lavish buffet
A lucullan feast
Lush
Full of juice;
Lush fruits
Succulent roast beef
Succulent plants with thick fleshy leaves
Common Curiosities
What is the primary context for using lavish?
Lavish is mostly used to describe excessive or generous spending and living.
What makes something lush in appearance?
Richness, vitality, and a visually appealing abundance define lush appearances.
How do lavish and lush differ in terms of generosity?
Lavish directly relates to generosity in spending or offering, while lush describes natural or visual abundance.
What term would you use for a garden with lots of plants?
Lush would be the appropriate term for a garden full of healthy, dense plants.
Can lush be used to describe things other than vegetation?
Yes, lush can describe any rich, dense, and luxuriant appearance, not just vegetation.
Does lavish always imply negativity?
Not always, but it can imply unnecessary excess, which might be viewed negatively.
Is lavish used in a positive or negative context more frequently?
It can be used in both, but often carries a slightly negative connotation due to the implication of excess.
Which term would describe an excessively decorated room?
Lavish would typically describe an excessively decorated room.
Can a lifestyle be described as lush?
Yes, a lifestyle can be described as lush if it involves rich, abundant living conditions or surroundings.
Can both lavish and lush be used for food descriptions?
Yes, lavish can describe a meal where no expense is spared, and lush can describe a meal that is visually appealing and rich.
What are the visual differences between lavish and lush?
Lavish visuals are opulent and often ornate, whereas lush visuals are characterized by verdant and rich textures.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
