Search from various English teachers...
Alex
What's the difference between "lavish" and "generous"?
Can I say "he is a lavish person"? Please give some examples to show the difference.
Thanks in advance!
Feb 18, 2016 6:07 AM
Answers · 1
1
No, we don't use 'lavish' as a synonym for 'generous' in this way. It isn't an attributive adjective, and it doesn't normally describe a personal characteristic of someone.
'Lavish' tends to describe what people might offer, rather than the people themselves - lavish gifts, a lavish meal, lavish praise, lavish lifestyle. Here it means 'extensive' ,'abundant', 'elaborate', 'extravagant' and so on.
The only time we use the word to refer to a person is in a phrase such as 'He was lavish with his hospitality'. This is a predicative rather than an attributive use of the adjective.
It can also be a verb e.g. to lavish affection on someone. Also note the pronunciation - it's pronounced 'lav - ish' rather than 'lave - ish'.
February 18, 2016
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Alex
Language Skills
English, Russian, Spanish
Learning Language
English, Spanish
Articles You May Also Like

Same Word, Different Meaning: American, British, and South African English
11 likes · 8 Comments

How to Sound Confident in English (Even When You’re Nervous)
13 likes · 11 Comments

Marketing Vocabulary and Phrases for Business English Learners
10 likes · 4 Comments
More articles