riches
RICH-iz
/ˈrɪtʃɪz/
Material wealth; valuable possessions.
Often used in the plural, 'riches' emphasizes a vast amount of valuable possessions or wealth, often with a slightly more grand or literary feel than 'wealth'.
The story behind the word. The word 'riches' comes to us from the Old French word 'richesse,' which meant 'wealth.' This, in turn, has Germanic roots, related to words meaning 'powerful' or 'ruler.' So, when you talk about riches, you're tapping into an ancient connection between power, authority, and the accumulation of valuable things. It's not just about having money; it's about the powerful status that often comes with it.
Word relationships
- wealth: More general, can be singular or plural. 'Riches' is almost always plural and often has a grander, more literary feel.
- fortune: Can refer to a specific large sum of money, or luck. 'Riches' is more about the collection of valuable items.
- treasures: Often implies valuable objects, not just money, and can have a more romantic or adventurous connotation.
- poverty: The state of being extremely poor.
- destitution: Extreme poverty, lacking means of subsistence.
Commonly confused with
- richness: 'Richness' can refer to the quality of being rich (e.g., 'the richness of the soil'), while 'riches' refers specifically to valuable possessions or money.
Word family
- rich (adjective): Having a great deal of money or assets; wealthy.
Collocations
- untold riches
- vast riches
- worldly riches
- accumulate riches
- hoard riches
Idioms & expressions
- from rags to riches
Example sentences
- "The explorers dreamed of discovering ancient ruins filled with untold riches." Adventure story
- "The library offered a treasure trove of knowledge, providing intellectual riches to all who entered." Figurative use
- "He gave up all his worldly riches to pursue a life of spiritual contemplation." Moral commentary
Memory hook
RICHES are what 'RICH' people have in 'EXCESS'. RICH EXCESS
When not to use
While 'riches' is a strong synonym for wealth, it's almost always used in the plural and can sound a bit more formal or literary than 'wealth'. Avoid using it for small amounts or in very casual conversation.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'from rags to riches' describes a person's journey from extreme poverty to great wealth, a common theme in literature and folklore.
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