luxuriate
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /lʌɡʒjˈʊrɪˌeɪt/
US
- /lʌɡʒˈʊrɪˌeɪt/
Description
- indulge
- revel
- bask
- savor
- enjoy greatly
To luxuriate is to sink into comfort and pleasure, like easing into a warm bath after a long day or lying on a soft beach with the sun on your skin. It's more than just enjoying something; it's taking your time and enjoying every moment of it. You might luxuriate in a delicious meal, beautiful music, or simply the feeling of being relaxed and carefree. While some people luxuriate in expensive things, anyone can do it in simple pleasures too.
Think of a cat stretched out in a sunbeam: calm, comfortable, and in no hurry at all. The word carries a feeling of ease, fullness, and deep contentment.
To luxuriate means to indulge in something pleasant and comfortable, often for a while rather than just a moment. It's a word that suggests deep enjoyment, relaxation, and a willingness to stay in that feeling. For example: "She luxuriated in the warm sunshine," or "He luxuriated in a quiet evening with a good book and a glass of wine."
The act of luxuriating isn't just about having something nice; it's about actively savoring and appreciating it. It suggests taking your time, letting go of stress, and fully immersing yourself in the experience. You might luxuriate in a long shower, a massage, or even a quiet moment alone.
The word often implies a sense of richness or abundance—not necessarily material wealth, but an abundance of comfort, pleasure, or sensory delight. A simple picnic can be an act of luxuriating if you take the time to truly enjoy the food, the company, and the surroundings.
Historically, "luxuriate" comes from the Latin word luxus, meaning excess or extravagance. While the modern usage doesn't always imply over-the-top spending, it does suggest a willingness to embrace pleasure and comfort without restraint. Occasionally, it is also used in a botanical sense to describe plants growing thick, lush, and profuse.
So, whether you're indulging in a lavish experience or finding joy in simple pleasures, to luxuriate is to fully immerse yourself in the good things life has to offer—and to savor every moment of the journey.
Examples
- 1
Physical comfort
After the hike, she luxuriated in a long, hot bath.
- 2
Quiet morning
On Sunday morning, we stayed in bed and luxuriated in the silence.
- 3
Free time
For once, he could luxuriate in having no plans and nowhere to be.
Pattern
luxuriate in + -ing/situation
enjoy that situation slowly and fully
- 4
Praise
The actor seemed to luxuriate in the applause after the final scene.
- 5
Literary style
The novel luxuriates in rich descriptions of food, rooms, and weather.
Pattern
a book can luxuriate in + details
spend a lot of time on them in a rich, enjoyable way
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- luxuriateverb
Forms
- luxuriating-ing formverb
- luxuriatedpast tenseverb
- luxuriatesverb