Opulent

Fun Fact

“Opulent” comes from the Latin “opulentus,” derived from “ops” meaning “wealth, power, or resources.” The word gained particular significance during the Roman Empire, where displaying “opulentia” was a political strategy used by emperors to demonstrate their power. Interestingly, during the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church developed a complex relationship with opulence – while criticizing personal wealth, it justified church opulence as a way to glorify God, leading to the construction of dramatically ornate cathedrals. The term took on new meaning during the Gilded Age of the late 19th century, when America’s industrial barons created what Mark Twain called “opulent chaos,” building increasingly elaborate mansions to showcase their wealth. The concept of opulence has also played a fascinating role in architecture history – the “opulent style” became its own architectural category, characterized by excessive ornamentation and rich materials. In modern usage, while still associated with luxury, the word has evolved to sometimes carry subtle criticism of excessive display, reflecting changing attitudes toward conspicuous wealth.