What is the meaning of the word luxury

Last Update: Jan 03, 2023

This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!

Asked by: Garnet Tremblay PhD

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Used in Middle English to imply lechery, the earliest use of luxury in the modern sense of the term comes from the mid-17th century. The word comes via the Old French ‘luxurie’ and ‘luxure’, from the Latin ‘luxuria’, which derives from ‘luxus’ meaning ‘excess’.

What is the root word of luxurious?

Luxuriously comes from the adjective luxurious, with its Latin root word, luxuria, «excess, extravagance, profusion, or delicacy.»

Does the word luxury come from Luxor?

Luxor comes from the Arabic «Al Uqsor» or «The Palaces» because when the Arabs arrived in Egypt, they believed that all of its ancient temples were palaces. Etymology of the word proves that the word «luxor» was the inspiration for the modern word, luxury.

What is the true meaning of luxury?

1 : very rich, pleasant, and comfortable surroundings They live in luxury. 2 : something desirable but expensive or hard to get Fresh strawberries are a luxury in winter. 3 : something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary That new car is a luxury I can’t afford.

Where did the word Luxe originate?

«luxury, elegance,» 1550s, from French luxe «luxury, sumptuousness, profusion,» from Latin luxus (see luxury).

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Almost the entire history of the ultimate dream of most people desire to live in luxury. What does this coveted concept, where it came in Russian language and translated into the other? Let’s learn about it.

The meaning of the word “luxury” in the dictionary

Almost all Russian dictionaries considered a noun used to denote a life of wealth. What is so called not just wealth, but all wealth beyond measure, even by the most demanding or exacting requirements.

Interestingly, in the monumental work Ozhegova, the lexical meaning of luxury is interpreted more negatively than that of Ephraim, and Dahl. So, Sergey Ivanovich explains this noun as excess in material goods and pleasures.

Dmitry Ushakov in his dictionary, in addition to all of the above values, the first and only advises to use the term “luxury” as a verb (despite the fact that it is a noun). It is possible that this tradition was founded by the writers Ilf and Petrov. So in their second novel about the adventures of a charismatic and resourceful con man Ostap Bender («Golden calf»), the phrase “Car — not a luxury but a means of transportation», which today has already become winged. Given that the novel came out in 1931, and four volumes of «Explanatory dictionary of Russian language» Ushakova, were published during 1935-1940 — so, the great linguist simply recorded the newfangled tendency to use the noun “luxury” as predicate, which became popular after the publication of the novel.

Interesting fact: in the English language in the old days the word “luxury” (luxury) is also used to refer to such concepts as “corruption” and “lasciviousness”. Although Russian dictionaries does not fix a similar interpretation of similar relevant to the term you can meet many Russian classics.

Etymology of the term and its counterparts in other Slavic languages

Having Considered the meaning of the word “luxury”, you should pay attention to its origin. Which term is a noun was formed, the language is not known. They are absolutely sure that this concept came from the proto-Slavic language.

This is evidenced by the fact that in most other Slavic languages are almost identical title. However, not each of them they have similar values.

So in the Ukrainian (“rocks”) and Belarusian (“rascoe”) is similar words that mean the same thing, that in the Russian language. But in others — not always. For example, the Polish noun roskosz translates as “ideal”, and a value of “luxury” words, the term has luksusowy. With the Slovak and Czech rozkoš is translated as “fun”. In Bulgarian is sometimes used in its original sense, the term ‘raskas”, but often instead the word “luxury”.

How to translate the concept under consideration in English, Spanish, Italian, German and French

Knowing that such a luxury not only in Russian but in other Slavic languages, you should know what term is used to mean the same thing other Nations.

So «ancestor» of most modern languages (Latin) in ancient times, the noun luxuria. It was used to refer to the concepts “abundance” and “splendor». In more recent times, on the basis of the word arose luxus, which was used when you were trying to explain what is luxury.

After the death of the Roman Empire, most European languages are “borrowed” the Latin name. Thus, in English there were the words luxury and luxe in French – le luxe, German – luxus, Italian – lusso, and Spanish – lujo.

It is Worth noting that many Slavic languages also use the Latin term, which became to exist in them in parallel with variations of the word “luxury”.

Synonyms

Finding the answer to the question: “What is luxury?» you should know what you can pick up synonyms for the noun in question.

The Most famous words-counterparts – “chic”, “splendor” and “splendor». In a certain context also uses the terms: “abundance”, “wealth”, “excess”, at least “waste” .

Antonyms

In contrast to synonyms, antonyms for the noun in question can pick up much less. As a rule, they are associated with poverty and deprivation.

In this as you can use the word “poverty”, “misery”, “poor” and of course “poverty”. Sometimes a valid use of the term “austerity”.

How to treat of luxury in different periods of history

Knowing what a luxury it will be interesting to examine: how did the society to this phenomenon in different centuries of our era.

Most philosophers and social scientists perceived this concept as harmful to the individual. They believed that whena person is able to satisfy all their whims, he loses the incentive to development. Here begins the moral and then physical degradation.

In this regard, in different periods of history relevant to luxury is constantly changing. It can be compared to a foolish woman on a diet. It limits itself in everything, refuses not only harmful, but also useful food in order to lose weight. But occasionally it breaks and without measure eats everything, harming not only her figure but also your health.

In the era of the absolute domination of Christianity in Europe, humanity is called to care for the spiritual, ignoring bodily needs. In this regard, the luxury was considered almost the most terrible of sins (hence the obsolete English meaning “lasciviousness”).

For Example, struggling with the excesses in Florence, the famous religious reformer Girolamo Savonarola burned all the items that he associated with wealth. His excessive zeal and not biblical fanaticism has led to the fact that it was destroyed not only many interesting books and musical instruments, but also hygiene items.

Different era, luxury was seen as a benefit to society. So, it was considered that it allows the elite to enjoy life to the fullest, thus contributing to the emergence of new jobs for the poor.

In the modern world the pursuit of luxury is not so much in the past century. Instead, a new “idol” is a success. In other words, to belong to the elite, today it is not enough to be fabulously rich, you need more to succeed in some field. It is worth noting that such a position encourages wealthy people to develop and to do something and not wallow in idle luxury, as was customary in the past century.

MusicEdit

I regarded _tragic_ knowledge as the most beautiful luxury of our culture, as its most precious, most noble, most dangerous kind of prodigality; but, nevertheless, in view of its overflowing wealth, as a justifiable _luxury_. ❋ Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1872)

What we lack in luxury, is made up in great friendship and camaraderie … unsurpassed. ❋ Unknown (2009)

One of the reasons women want to start out in luxury is the fear of having to have inferior quality of goods or a less comforts. ❋ Unknown (2006)

We exercised judgment in defining the term luxury car. ❋ Unknown (2006)

The term luxury, too, was revealing; it covered everything — except her present unformed longing. ❋ Joseph Hergesheimer (1917)

You will find in your search for the best pet bed that the term luxury dog bed is used very loosely. ❋ Unknown (2008)

Deluxe evolved out of earlier ideas associated with the word luxury. ❋ Leslie Dunton-Downer (2010)

I don’t think this luxury is afforded to the «common man», only to worthless cheating corrupt Democrats (which is most of them). ❋ Unknown (2009)

DUNHILL: Well, I mean the — for me, this is one of the most extraordinary opportunities for the revival of a wonderful name in what we call the luxury sphere that I can certainly remember. ❋ Unknown (2009)

The next car in the slide show is the similarly priced BMW 3 Series, which we call a luxury car. ❋ Unknown (2006)

It may, again, be pitiable, as in those human butterflies, who live only to enjoy, or to minister to, what they call luxury and fashion. ❋ Charles Kingsley (1847)

People don’t usually associate the word «luxury» with trailer parks, but in the case of the Old Mac Daddy Hotel, it works. ❋ The Huffington Post News Editors (2011)

Which makes it all the more interesting that last month reports surfaced of a ban on the word «luxury» in advertising. ❋ Unknown (2011)

Note to non-UK readers: «luxury» is a British adjective meaning «cheap and nasty.» ❋ Unknown (2005)

Welsh’s having been brought up in «luxury,» and of never having ❋ Unknown (1893)

It’s pretty clear that they don’t – telling me to use CFL bulbs while they travel the planet in luxury is a pretty huge tipoff. ❋ Unknown (2009)

«The term luxury, in referring to the state of society before the ❋ Edward Bellamy (1874)

Bob has the luxury of moving into a [spacious] [office] on [the second] floor. ❋ Gerard Irick (2008)

Man, that girl [Alisa] is so luxury. She could buy the world if she wanted to. Bill Gates and [Warren Buffet] have [nothing on] her! ❋ VitaMinh (2009)

[Brennan] «[Hows life] [Glenn]?»
Glenn «The epitome of luxury»
Brennan «Gross» ❋ Rear Of The Century (2013)

I believe my car is a luxury car because it has [leather] [seats], but your car is a luxury car also because it is very expensive and [stylish]. ❋ J-Jim (2019)

My maid was in distress while I was luxuriating at the pool.
I was sipping my [martini] as I was luxuriating on the [veranda].
Look at that [Nan] luxuriating as she flosses across the street.
Mary was luxuriating all Monday long, as she washed her weekend sins away. ❋ Gay Duo (2021)

Mary was [luxuriating] all Monday long, as she washed away her weekend sins.
My maid was in distress, while I was luxuriating by the pool.
Look at that nan luxuriating, as she flosses across the street.
I was sipping my [mimosa], while I was luxuriating on the [veranda]. ❋ TheGayDuo (2021)

I am going to luxuriate in [the beauty] of [the prom] dress.
I am going to luxuriate in the hot [bubble bath]. ❋ Discoboogi (2010)

[Palm trees], [rolls royce], a [villa].
A luxury condiminium.
A luxury car.
A luxury yacht. ❋ Fracon (2008)

[Tessa Brooks] is such a [luxury] [girl] ❋ Handle Can’t Be Blank (2018)

«The bedroom was sensually luxurious with its canopy bed, silk bed curtains, lace drapes, soft throw rugs, [overstuffed] sofa, voluptuous pillows, [satin sheets], and deep mattress.»
«The low neckline of her [bodice] accentuated her luxurious figure, her sash wound around her waist just tightly enough to call attention to her full, shapely hips under her flowing, luscious skirt.» ❋ Lorelili (2012)

Almost the whole story, the ultimate dream of most people was the desire to live in luxury. What does this coveted concept mean, where did it come from in Russian and how does it translate into others? Let’s find out about this.

The meaning of the word «luxury» in the explanatory dictionary

Practically in all Russian dictionaries the considered noun is used for a designation of a life in riches. What is it called not just prosperity, but the presence of all the benefits beyond measure, even for the most demanding or refined requests.

It is interesting that in the monumental work of Ozhegov, the lexical meaning of luxury is interpreted more negatively than that of Efremova and Dahl. Thus, Sergei Ivanovich explains this noun as excess in material goods, as well as pleasures.

Dmitry Ushakov in his dictionary, in addition to all the above values, the first and only advises also to use the term «luxury» as a predicate (in spite of the fact that this is a noun). It is possible that such a tradition was founded by writers-humorists Ilf and Petrov. So in their second novel about the adventures of the charming and resourceful cheater Ostap Bender («The Golden Calf»), there is the phrase «The car is not a luxury, but a means of transportation», which has long since become a winged one. If we consider that the novel was published in 1931, and four volumes of the «Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language» Ushakov were published during the years 1935-1940. — it turns out, the great linguist simply fixed the newfangled tendency of using the noun «luxury» as a predicate, which became popular after the publication of the novel.

An interesting fact: in English in the old days the word «luxury» (luxury) was also used to refer to such concepts as «debauchery» and «debauchery.» And although the Russian dictionaries do not fix such an interpretation, a similar attitude to the term in question can be found in many Russian classics.

The etymology of the term, as well as its analogues in other Slavic languages

Having considered the meaning of the word «luxury», it is worth paying attention to its origin. From which term this noun was formed, linguists are not known. At the same time, they are absolutely sure that this concept came from the Proto-Slavic language.

This is evidenced by the fact that in most other Slavic languages there are almost identical names. At the same time, they do not have the same meaning in each of them.

So in Ukrainian («rokish») and Belarusian («splash») these are similar words, which means the same thing as in Russian. But in others — not always. For example, the Polish noun roskosz translates as «pleasure», and the meaning «luxury» of the word has the term luksusowy. From Slovak and Czech rozkoš is translated as «pleasure». In Bulgarian, sometimes the term «cleavage» is used in its original meaning, but more often the word «luks» is used instead.

How does this concept translate into English, Spanish, Italian, German and French

Having learned what luxury is not only in Russian, but also in other Slavic languages, it is worthwhile to find out what term other nations use for this concept.

So in the «progenitor» of most modern languages (Latin) in ancient times there was a noun luxuria. It was used to refer to the concepts of «abundance» and «splendor». In later times, on the basis of this word luxus arose, which was used when they wanted to explain what luxury is.

After the death of the Roman Empire, most European languages «borrowed» the Latin name. Thus, in English appeared the words luxury and luxe, in French — le luxe, in German — luxus, in Italian — lusso, and in Spanish — lujo.

It should be noted that many Slavic languages also use the Latin term, which began to exist in them in parallel with the variations of the word «luxury».

Synonyms

Finding the answer to the question: «What is luxury?», It is worthwhile to find out which synonyms can be chosen for the noun in question.

The most famous analogy words are «chic», «splendor» and «splendor». In a certain context, the terms «abundance», «wealth», «excesses», and «wastefulness» are also used.

Antonyms

Unlike synonyms, the antonyms to the noun can be chosen much less. As a rule, they are associated with poverty and deprivation.

In this capacity, the words «poverty», «squalor», «poverty» and, of course, «poverty» can be used. Sometimes the use of the term «asceticism» is permissible.

How to treat luxury in different periods of history

Having learned what luxury is, it will be interesting to study: how society treated this phenomenon in different centuries of our era.

Most philosophers and sociologists perceived this concept as harmful to the individual. They believed that when a person has the opportunity to satisfy absolutely all his whims, he loses the impetus for development. From here begins the moral, and then the physical degradation.

In this regard, at different periods of history the attitude towards luxury has constantly changed. It can be compared to an unreasonable woman on a diet. It limits itself in everything, refuses not only from harmful, but also useful food, in order to lose weight. But periodically she breaks down and without measure eats everything, harming not only her figure, but also her health.

In the era of absolute domination of Christianity in Europe, humanity called for caring for the spiritual, ignoring bodily needs. In this regard, luxury was considered almost the cause of the most terrible sins (hence the outdated English meaning of «debauchery»).

For example, struggling with excesses in Florence, the famous religious reformer Girolamo Savonarola burned all the objects that he associated with wealth. His excessive zeal and not biblical fanaticism led to the destruction of not only many interesting books and musical instruments, but also hygiene items.

In other times, luxury was perceived as a boon to society. So, it was believed that it allows the elite to enjoy life to the fullest, while contributing to the creation of new jobs for the poor.

In the modern world, the desire for luxury is no longer as strong as in the past. Instead, a new «idol» is success. In other words, to belong to the elite, today it is not enough to be fantastically rich, it is still necessary to achieve success in some field. It is worth noting that this position encourages wealthy people to develop and do something, rather than sink in idle luxury, as was customary in the past centuries.

The new time has brought into our everyday life a lot of different words and expressions that we did not know anything about before. For example, «luxury» — what is it? What objects or phenomena does it represent? Let’s see, because using it right and left, many may not fully understand its essence.

The meaning of the word «luxury»

What is this? Like many other modern words, this also came to us from the English language. Luxury — splendor, luxury, we alth, enjoyment and pleasure. This is the translation of this English noun.

Philosophy

It is wrong to think that this word refers exclusively to clothing or cosmetics «luxury» — that is, super-expensive brands and brands. This concept, in fact, defines the style and philosophy of life that a limited circle of people can afford to have.

Luxury — what is it? This is a kind of «tag» that can be hung on services, recreation, cars, housing, which have an unaffordable cost even for the so-called «middle class». In other words, luxury isa limited segment of goods and services intended for very we althy people who are simply obliged to consume them based on their special status.

Luxury items. What is it?

Luxury is not even «luxury» and not the designation of the «elite segment». It stands much higher than these concepts and implies that nothing higher and «cooler» than it simply does not exist in nature.

Cosmetics, perfumes, luxury clothes — these are the most understandable and even affordable things for someone from this elite habitat. But it is also exclusive restaurants (“5 stars”), food (white caviar, Krug champagne), household appliances (Westvision TVs), cars, yachts, jewelry with elite stones, watches, sea and ski resorts, hotels, boutiques, beauty salons, cinemas, to which the road to a mere mortal is simply closed.

Status rest

In Egypt there is a resort called «Cleopatra Luxury Resort». The name itself emphasizes its special status, making it clear that not everyone can afford to stay here.

This resort is located on the first coastline of the Red Sea and occupies the territory of the famous Sinai Peninsula (near the airport «Sharm el-Sheikh»). It includes 9 separate buildings erected on fantastic rocks. They house 324 guest rooms, 152 of which have the Luxury status. Cleopatra Luxury Resort is a 5-star residence, so you won’t find a room here for less than $1,000. e. (per day).

Complexboasts a separate private beach, a themed pool, restaurants and bars, a pub, a nightclub. There are grounds for tennis and billiards. There is also a diving center on the territory of the resort. There is a separate recreation program and infrastructure for children.

Each room is equipped with plasma, balcony or terrace, air conditioning, everything you need to use, internet. Vacationers can visit massage therapists, a gym, and engage in various water sports.

The luxury segment also includes such hotels as The Atlantis (Bahamas), Ritz-Carlton (Japan), Westin Excelsior (Rome), Four Seasons Hotel (New York), Palms Casino Resort (Las Vegas), President Wilson Hotel (Geneva), Martinez Hotel (Cannes), etc. Luxury vacation destinations: Bahamas, Barbados, Miami, Virgin Islands, Maldives, Seychelles, Belize and Fiji Islands.

To be and to seem

The «luxury» segment is considered one of the most developing, promising and long-term. Previously, it belonged to the prerogatives of the European world, but now it is rapidly progressing in China, where the consumption of extra-luxury goods has increased several times in recent years.

According to analysts, luxury customers can be conditionally divided into 3 groups. The first group will include billionaires, government officials, politicians, representatives of royal families, for whom the luxury style is a vital attribute.

The second group is represented by relatives, children, lovers, mistresses,concubines of the above persons, leading a luxurious lifestyle due to their special position in society.

The last group is formed by those who want to imitate or pretend to be a representative of high society. They buy things at a discount, get into debt to emphasize their “special” status and belonging to a chosen caste. However, these people do not have any material and social base.

Development and prospects of «luxury»

As mentioned earlier, China has recently become an active consumer of luxury goods.

Analysts calculated that the Celestial Empire would provide about 50% of the profits of all the world’s luxury goods dealers. In general, the revenue of luxury sellers until 2020 will increase by about 9-10 percent annually. Despite the permanent financial crises, the luxury goods market will develop, accompanied by acquisitions, purchases and sales of companies and brands. New sellers will look for fundamentally different ways and strategies to conquer potentially promising market territories.

In the meantime, such brands as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Salvatore Ferragamo, Hermes remain «mastodons» and manufacturers of luxury goods. The audience of the luxury market is 10% of all buyers in the world (approximately 680 million people). True, by 2025 there should be twice as many.

Luxuries or luxury goods or services, are things that are not essential, but which we believe make life more pleasant.

Consumers like luxuries and are willing to pay high prices for them. Luxury foods such as caviar contrast with staple or essential foods like bread or potatoes in the US and UK, tortillas in Mexico, and rice in China and Japan.

Limo Find: has the following definition of the term:

“A luxury is something that gives us comfort and pleasure, but is not absolutely necessary. It is typically an indulgence, i.e., a special treat.”

Luxury goods are also known as Superior Goods or Veblen goods. If they are bought to impress others, keep up with the Joneses, enhance one’s status, they are called positional goods.

Luxuries have a high elasticity of demand – they are more sensitive to changes in the economic environment than other products and services. When their prices or people’s incomes change, demand for luxuries moves up or down to a greater degree.

The economic environment refers to all the external factors in the economy that influence consumer and business buying habits. Therefore, it also affects the performance of businesses.

As far as most of us are concerned, luxuries include:

• First class air travel.
• Having a butler.
• Owning Rolex watch.
• Traveling in a limousine.
• Owning a yacht.
• A Ferrari in the garage.
• A governess to look after our children.

If the price of, for example, a mega-luxury Caribbean vacation falls by 10%, demand tends to increase by more than 10%. The first thing people cut down on when they have less income are luxuries.

Luxuries contrast in this sense with necessities, such as milk or bread, which consumers demand in similar quantities regardless of how much their incomes may grow or shrink.

As luxuries are considerably more expensive than other goods and services, they are bought by people with a high disposable income more frequently than those further down the socioeconomic ladder.

The Economist explains luxuries as follows: “Goods and services that have a high elasticity of demand. When the price of, say, a Caribbean holiday rises, the number of vacations demanded falls sharply. Likewise, demand for Caribbean holidays rises significantly as average income increases, certainly by more than demand for many normal goods.”

If you place the word ‘little’ before ‘luxury’, the meaning changes significantly. Little luxuries are the simple things that can make us happy – a little thing that makes us feel good. For one person it might be a hot bath, for somebody else a massage, a quiet evening watching TV with a drink and chocolates or a cigar, or perhaps a giant sundae as a special treat.

Luxuries – luxury services

Luxuries do not only include goods, but also services. Examples include using a limousine service to travel, flying first class, having a butler or servants in your household, going to an expensive hairdresser, or paying for private lessons when your child falls behind at school.

A number of financial services, such as what brokerage houses offer clients, may be considered luxuries – luxury services – by default because people in lower-income brackets hardly ever use them.

Etymology of the word ‘luxury’

According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word luxury has undergone several meanings in the English language over the past 700 years. In the 1300s it meant ‘sexual intercourse,’ in mid-14 century its meaning included ‘sinful self-indulgence, lasciviousness’. By the end of the 1400s, the meaning expanded to ‘sensual pleasure’.

The word originated from Old French Luxurie, which meant ‘debauchery, lust, dissoluteness (indifferent to moral restraints)’.

In 12th-century Modern French, the word evolved to Luxure. The French word originated from Latin Luxuria, meaning ‘delicacy, profusion, extravagant living, excess’.

From the 1630s, its meaning in the English language shifted to ‘habit of indulgence in what is choice or costly’. By 1704, it was used to express ‘sumptuous surroundings’.

In 1780, ‘luxury’ meant ‘something choice or comfortable beyond life’s necessities’. It was not until 1916 that it was used as an adjective, as in ‘a luxury hotel’.

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Luxuries – Veblen Goods

Veblen goods are luxuries that go against the economic laws of supply and demand. Their demand correlates positively with price – the more expensive they are, the more people want them, the cheaper they are the less sought after they become.

Examples of Veblen goods are jewelry, wines, certain brand watches, designer handbags, luxury cars – which are in high demand because of the very high price asked for them.

Their expensive prices make them desirable as status symbols, by way of conspicuous leisure and conspicuous demand.

When people buy a $30,000 Rolex watch, they usually intend to let others know that they have one. If Rolex suddenly slashed the prices of its super-luxury watches, demand for them would probably decline, because they would lose that status power.

The consumption of Veblen goods in an economy is a function of the Veblen Effect – goods desired because they are over-priced.

The term was named after Thorstein Bunde Veblen (1857-1929), a Norwegian-American economist and sociologist, who was famous as a witty critic of capitalism. He identified conspicuous consumption is status-seeking mode in his book The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899).

Luxuries for the masses

The ‘democratization’ of luxury goods has brought with it some new categories within the luxury market. Today, we have accessible luxury or mass luxury.

Marketing professionals specifically aim those goods and services at the middle class. They often refer to them as the ‘aspiring class’ in marketing campaigns.

As luxuries spread further down the socioeconomic ladder, defining the term has become more difficult.

In 2013, the Chinese government prohibited luxury goods adverts on its official state TV and radio channels. Despite this move, seen as a bringing up-to-date of the old and generally unsuccessful sumptuary laws, adverts for luxuries abound in China (in non-state media).

Your necessities are my luxuries

Sometimes what is a necessity for one person is a luxury for another. Imagine a couple – Tom and Mary. Tom is one of New York’s top brain surgeons, and Mary is an extremely successful dentist. Their combined income exceeds $500,000 annually.

For them, having a car each is a necessity, so is going abroad on vacation each year, paying somebody to help them look after their two young children, and arranging nice birthday parties for them.

Peter and Pauline, another couple, live very differently. Peter has a very bad back and had to give up his job as a bus driver. He now works part-time answering the telephone in a travel agency nearby. He cannot work full time because of his back.

Pauline cleans offices full time. They also have two young children. Their joint income is approximately $22,000 each year.

For Peter and Pauline, having just one car is a luxury. They never go abroad on vacation. Whatever time off from work Pauline manages to get she spends at home. Birthday parties for their children are very simple and inexpensive events.

For Peter and Pauline and their kids, going anywhere on vacation is a dream, and having somebody help them look after their children will never happen. For them, many of Tom and Mary’s necessities are luxuries.

Inferior and normal goods

– Inferior Goods are products for which demand declines when people’s incomes rise. For example, as soon as most of us can afford it, we stop using public transport and move around in our own vehicle. Public transport is an inferior good – as incomes rise, demand for it declines.

– Normal Goods are products for which demand increases when incomes grow. However, demand for luxury goods rises faster than for normal goods when incomes increase.

Almost the whole story is the limit of dreamsmost people had a desire to live in luxury. What does this coveted concept mean, where did it come from in Russian and how does it translate into others? Let’s find out about this.

The meaning of the word «luxury» in the explanatory dictionary

Practically in all Russian dictionariesThe noun in question is used to refer to life in wealth. What is it called not just prosperity, but the availability of all the benefits beyond measure, even for the most demanding or refined requests.

It is interesting that in the monumental work of Ozhegov,the lexical meaning of luxury is treated more negatively than that of Efremova and Dahl. Thus, Sergei Ivanovich explains this noun as a superfluity in material goods, as well as pleasures.

Dmitry N. Ushakov in his dictionary, in addition toof all the above values, the first and only advises also to use the term «luxury» as a predicate (despite the fact that this is a noun). It is possible that such a tradition was founded by writers-humorists Ilf and Petrov. So in their second novel about the adventures of the charming and resourceful swindler Ostap Bender («The Golden Calf»), there is the phrase «The car is not a luxury, but a means of transportation», which has long since become a winged one. If we consider that the novel was published in 1931, and four volumes of the «Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language» Ushakov were published during the years 1935-1940. — it turns out, the great linguist simply fixed the newfangled tendency of using the noun «luxury» as a predicate, which became popular after the publication of the novel.

Interesting fact: in English in the old days, the word «luxury» (luxury) was also used to refer to such concepts as «debauchery» and «debauchery». And although the Russian dictionaries do not fix such an interpretation, a similar attitude to the term in question can be found in many Russian classics.

The etymology of the term, as well as its analogs in other Slavic languages

Having considered the meaning of the word «luxury», it is worthpay attention to its origin. From what term this noun was formed, linguists are not known. At the same time, they are absolutely sure that this concept came from the Proto-Slavic language.

This is evidenced by the fact that in most other Slavic languages ​​there are almost identical names. In this case, far from each of them, they have similar meanings.

So in the Ukrainian («rokish») and Belarusian(«Splitting») are similar words, which means the same thing as in Russian. But in others — not always. For example, the Polish noun roskosz translates as «pleasure», and the meaning «luxury» of the word has the term luksusowy. From Slovak and Czech rozkoš is translated as «pleasure». In Bulgarian, sometimes the term «clever» is used in its original meaning, but more often the word «luks» is used instead.

How does this concept translate into English, Spanish, Italian, German and French

Having learned what luxury is not only in Russian, but also in other Slavic languages, it is worthwhile to find out what term other nations use for this concept.

So in the «progenitor» of most modernlanguages ​​(Latin) in ancient times there was a noun luxuria. It was used to refer to the concepts of «abundance» and «splendor». In later times, based on this word, luxus arose, which was used when they wanted to explain what luxury is.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the majorityEuropean languages ​​»borrowed» the Latin name. Thus, in English appeared the words luxury and luxe, in French — le luxe, in German — luxus, in Italian — lusso, and in Spanish — lujo.

It should be noted that many Slavic languages ​​also use the Latin term, which began to exist in them in parallel with the variations of the word «luxury».

Synonyms

Having found the answer to the question: «What is luxury?», It is worthwhile to find out which synonyms can be chosen for the noun in question.

The most famous analogy words are «chic», «splendor» and «splendor». In a certain context, the terms are also used: «abundance», «wealth», «excess», less often «waste».

Antonyms

Unlike synonyms, the antonyms to the noun can be chosen much less. As a rule, they are associated with poverty and deprivation.

In this capacity, the words «poverty», «squalor», «poverty» and, of course, «poverty» can be used. Sometimes the use of the term «asceticism» is permissible.

How to treat luxury in different periods of history

Having learned what luxury is, it will be interesting to study: how society treated this phenomenon in different centuries of our era.

Most philosophers and sociologists perceivedthis concept as harmful to the individual. They believed that when a person gets an opportunity to satisfy absolutely all his whims, he loses the impetus for development. From here begins the moral, and then the physical degradation.

In this regard, in different periods of history the ratioto the luxury of constantly changing. It can be compared with an unreasonable woman on a diet. It limits itself in everything, refuses not only from harmful, but also useful food, in order to lose weight. But periodically she breaks down and without measure eats everything, harming not only her figure, but also her health.

In the era of absolute domination of Christianityin Europe, humanity called for caring for the spiritual, ignoring bodily needs. In this regard, luxury was considered almost the cause of the worst sins (hence the outdated English meaning of «debauchery»).

For example, struggling with excesses in Florence,the famous religious reformer Girolamo Savonarola burned all the objects that he associated with wealth. His excessive zeal and not biblical fanaticism led to the destruction of not only many interesting books and musical instruments, but also hygiene items.

In other times, luxury was perceived as a boon to society. So, it was believed that it allows the elite to enjoy life to the fullest, while contributing to the emergence of new jobs for the poor.

In the modern world, the desire for luxury is no longeras much as in the past. Instead, a new «idol» is success. In other words, to belong to the elite, today it is not enough to be fabulously rich, it is still necessary to achieve success in some field. It is worth noting that this position encourages wealthy people to develop and do something, rather than sink in idle luxury, as was customary in the past centuries.

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Last Updated:
1 Apr 2023
— Updated example sentences