[rich] adj [ME riche, fr. OE rice; akin to OHG rihhi rich, OE rice kingdom, OHG rihhi, n.; all fr. prehistoric Gmc words borrowed fr. Celt words akin to OIr ri (gen. rig) king--more at royal] (bef. 12c) 1: having abundant possessions and esp. material wealth
2. a: having high value or quality b: well supplied "a city ~ in traditions"
3: magnificently impressive: sumptuous
4. a: vivid and deep in color "a ~ red" b: full and mellow in tone and quality "a ~ voice" c: having a strong fragrance "~ perfumes"
5: highly productive or remunerative "a ~ mine"
6. a: having abundant plant nutrients "~ soil" b: highly seasoned, fatty, oily, or sweet "~ foods" c: high in the combustible component "a ~ fuel mixture" d: high in some component "cholesterol-rich foods"
7. a: entertaining; also: laughable b: meaningful, significant "~ allusions" c: lush "~ meadows" 8: pure or nearly pure "~ lime" -- rich.ness n syn rich, wealthy, affluent, opulent mean having goods, property, and money in abundance. rich implies having more than enough to gratify normal needs or desires "became rich through shrewd investing". wealthy stresses the possession of property and intrinsically valuable things "wealthy landowners". affluent suggests prosperity and an increasing wealth "an affluent society". opulent suggests lavish expenditure and display of great wealth, more often applying to things than people "an opulent mansion".