lavish taste

USAGE SUMMARY

"lavish taste" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something with an expensive or luxurious style. For example: "He had a lavish taste in clothing, always wearing the most expensive designer labels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Everything from the frescos to the furniture reflects good, if lavish, taste.

Independent

By the end of the movie, Refn has toyed with cannibalism, lesbian necrophilia, the egestion of an eyeball, and other minor sports, all of them filmed in lavish taste.

The New Yorker

Imprisoned and sentenced to death on trumped-up espionage charges, Mata Hari -- guilty of little more than lavish taste in skimpy clothes, a trail of inordinate hotel bills and an indiscriminate weakness for men in uniform -- asks permission to wear a corset for her appearance before the firing squad.

The New York Times - Books

James Bond is renowned for his lavish taste in strictly luxurious five star hotels.

Huffington Post

Anouska Hempel is famous for her unique eye, lavish taste and perfectionism that she applies to every interior she touches, including her three acclaimed boutique hotels: The Hempel and Blakes in London, and Blakes Amsterdam.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Scandals have dogged him and his wife, Sara, over their lavish tastes.

The Guardian

She has earned a reputation for lavish tastes and finds herself mired in financial troubles despite enjoying a reported $2m salary from Condé Nast, publishers of Vanity Fair.

The Guardian

But Mr. Wen's lavish tastes were nothing compared with the carnal appetites of his sister-in-law, Xie Caiping, known as "the godmother of the Chongqing underworld".

The New York Times

Best to avoid the fate of that other Congolese billionaire, Mobutu Sese Seko, the country's dictator of 32 years until 1997, whose lavish tastes took Congo to the brink of ruin.

The Economist

Some in the media may paint Somali pirates as womanizers with lavish tastes and an eye for Nairobi real estate, but Nuruddin Farah exposes the shallowness of such depictions in his 11th novel, "Crossbones".

The New York Times - Books

As he became well known, he became enamored of vulgarly "lavish tastes" and his "newly acquired wealth"; after the publication of "Herzog," in 1964, and throughout the late nineteen-sixties and seventies, he was corrupted by his love of literary fame.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lavish taste", ensure the context clearly indicates the enjoyment or preference for luxury, rather than just general expensiveness. For example, "She decorated her home with a "lavish taste", filling it with antique furniture and original artwork."

Common error

Avoid using "lavish taste" to simply describe something expensive without implying a deliberate choice or enjoyment of luxury. Instead of saying, "The hotel was equipped with "lavish taste"", which could imply unnecessary expense, consider specifying the elements of luxury: "The hotel was equipped with luxurious amenities and bespoke furnishings."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lavish taste" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "lavish" modifies "taste". This phrase describes a particular preference or inclination towards luxurious and expensive things. Ludwig confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

2%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lavish taste" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression, though Ludwig identifies it as relatively rare. It describes a preference for luxurious and expensive items, experiences, or environments. While its register is generally neutral, its usage tends to be more common in descriptive writing within News & Media rather than casual conversation. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context conveys a deliberate choice and enjoyment of luxury, rather than simply indicating expensiveness. Consider alternatives such as "fondness for luxury" or "predilection for opulence" depending on the specific connotation you wish to convey. Overall, "lavish taste" serves to characterize a particular lifestyle or set of preferences oriented towards luxury.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

love of luxury goods

Directly states affection for expensive items.

fondness for luxury

Highlights the enjoyment of luxurious things.

predilection for opulence

Focuses on a strong liking for rich and luxurious items.

luxury appreciation

Showcases an understanding and enjoyment of high-quality goods.

expensive preference

Focuses on the monetary aspect of the taste.

upscale preference

Highlights a desire for high-class items or experiences.

penchant for extravagance

Underscores the inclination towards excessive spending.

refined palate

Emphasizes sophistication and discernment.

high-end inclination

Describes a tendency toward top-quality or expensive items.

elite sensibilities

Emphasizes refined and sophisticated taste.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with a "lavish taste"?

You can say they have a "fondness for luxury", a "predilection for opulence", or a "refined palate" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to have a "lavish taste"?

Having a "lavish taste" means you have a preference for luxurious, expensive, and high-quality items or experiences. It implies an appreciation for the finer things in life and a willingness to spend money to acquire them.

Is it positive or negative to have a "lavish taste"?

It depends on the context. Having a "lavish taste" can be seen as positive, suggesting sophistication and appreciation for quality. However, it can also be viewed negatively, implying extravagance, superficiality or excessive spending.

What's the difference between "lavish taste" and "expensive taste"?

While similar, "lavish taste" suggests more than just expensiveness. It implies a deliberate and perhaps excessive enjoyment of luxury. "Expensive taste" simply indicates a preference for costly items, without necessarily implying enjoyment or indulgence.