luxuriant

/lʌɡˈʒʊəriənt/ (bre, ipa) · [ləɡʒˈɚiənt] /lʌɡˈʒʊriənt/ (ame, ipa) · [ləɡʒˈɚiənt] /(ˌ)ləg-ˈzhu̇r-ē-ənt How to pronounce luxuriant (audio) (ˌ)lək-ˈshu̇r-/ (ame, mw)

luxuriant — adjective

  • luxuriantpositive
  • more luxuriantcomparative
  • most luxuriantsuperlative

1. Growing with many healthy leaves, stems, or branches, so that an area looks thic

1.形容詞C1
釋義

Growing with many healthy leaves, stems, or branches, so that an area looks thick and full.

例句

After a month of rain, the hills looked luxuriant and deeply green.

pattern: be + luxuriant after rain

The school garden became luxuriant once the children started watering it daily.

同義詞
  • lush

    More common in everyday English and often slightly more vivid; 'luxuriant' sounds more literary.

  • verdant

    Stresses greenness, while 'luxuriant' stresses abundant growth and fullness.

  • leafy

    Usually describes a place with many leaves or trees, but not necessarily especially rich growth.

反義詞
  • sparse

    Describes growth that is thin and spread out.

  • bare

    Suggests there is little or no plant growth at all.

文法句型

luxuriant + plant/land noun

be + luxuriant

用法筆記

This sense is mainly used for plants, fields, and other living growth. Unlike sense 2, it focuses on natural growth rather than hair, fur, or another pleasing surface.

常見錯誤

❌The hotel lobby looked luxuriant with gold lamps.
✅The hillside looked luxuriant after the spring rain.
💡This sense describes strong natural growth, not rich interior decoration.
❌The dry field stayed luxuriant all winter.
✅The wet field stayed luxuriant through early summer.
💡'Luxuriant' suggests active, healthy growth, not dry or bare land.

2. Having a thick, rich, or full appearance that looks attractive and pleasing.

2.形容詞C2
釋義

Having a thick, rich, or full appearance that looks attractive and pleasing.

例句

Lien brushed her luxuriant hair before the wedding photographs began.

collocation: luxuriant hair

The actor's luxuriant beard made him look older on screen.

同義詞
  • thick

    A general word for density; 'luxuriant' adds an attractive, rich quality.

  • full

    Broad and common, but less vivid than 'luxuriant' for appearance.

  • lush

    Can describe rich texture or appearance too, but it is still more strongly tied to plants than this sense.

反義詞
  • thin

    Describes hair, fur, or another surface that lacks fullness.

  • flat

    Suggests a surface or look without rich volume.

文法句型

luxuriant + hair/fur/surface noun

be + luxuriant

用法筆記

This sense is common with hair, fur, foam, or another surface that looks richly full. Unlike sense 1, it does not require living growth, and unlike sense 3, it does not suggest luxury or decoration.

常見錯誤

❌She bought a luxuriant sofa because it was expensive.
✅She bought a luxurious sofa because it was expensive.
💡For comfort or high cost, use 'luxurious'; this sense means thick or full in appearance.
❌The grass looked luxuriant beside the lake.
✅The beard looked luxuriant beside the lake.
💡This sense is for pleasing fullness, not for natural plant growth.

3. Rich, decorative, and full of impressive detail in a way that feels luxurious.

3.形容詞C2
釋義

Rich, decorative, and full of impressive detail in a way that feels luxurious.

例句

The hotel lobby had a luxuriant style, with gold lamps and red velvet.

collocation: luxuriant style

Christopher wrote in luxuriant detail about the feast and the music.

pattern: in luxuriant detail

同義詞
  • opulent

    Stronger and more directly tied to wealth and display.

  • ornate

    Focuses on heavy decoration, while 'luxuriant' also suggests richness of texture or feeling.

  • luxurious

    More common for comfort and expensive quality; 'luxuriant' is more literary and detail-focused.

反義詞
  • plain

    Describes something simple and lacking decorative richness.

  • austere

    Suggests severe simplicity instead of rich detail.

文法句型

luxuriant + style/detail/sound noun

be + luxuriant in detail

用法筆記

This sense is used for decoration, style, sound, or description that feels richly worked and sensuous. Unlike sense 2, the fullness here comes from artistic richness rather than physical thickness.

常見錯誤

❌The lawn looked luxuriant with fresh rain.
✅The ballroom looked luxuriant with fresh flowers and silk drapes.
💡This sense is about decorative richness, not healthy plant growth.
❌The blanket felt luxuriant because it was soft.
✅The room felt luxurious because the blanket was soft.
💡When you mean comfort or indulgence, 'luxurious' is usually the better word.