wealth
WELTH
/wɛlθ/
An abundance of valuable possessions or money.
A general term for a large amount of valuable possessions or money, often implying financial prosperity and resources.
The story behind the word. The word 'wealth' flows from the Old English word 'wela,' which meant 'well-being' or 'prosperity.' It's fascinating how the concept of having material possessions became intertwined with the idea of being 'well' or 'happy.' So, when you talk about wealth, you're tapping into a very old idea of what it means to thrive.
Word relationships
- riches: Often used in plural, can sound more literary or grand.
- fortune: Can imply a large, often inherited, sum of money or assets.
- affluence: Refers to the state of having wealth, often implying a comfortable lifestyle.
- poverty: The state of being extremely poor.
- destitution: Extreme poverty, lacking means of subsistence.
Commonly confused with
- money: 'Money' is a medium of exchange; 'wealth' refers to the total value of assets, which includes money but also property, investments, etc.
Word family
- wealthy (adjective): Having a great deal of money, resources, or assets; rich.
Collocations
- accumulate wealth
- create wealth
- distribute wealth
- generational wealth
- national wealth
Idioms & expressions
- a wealth of information
- health is wealth
Example sentences
- "The nation's natural resources contributed significantly to its overall wealth." Describing national economic status
- "He accumulated considerable wealth through shrewd investments over many years." Discussing personal finances
- "True wealth, some argue, lies not in possessions but in experiences and relationships." Philosophical discussion
Memory hook
Think of 'WEALTH' as 'WELL-th' – a state of being well-off and prosperous. WELL-th = well-being
When not to use
While 'wealth' is generally safe, avoid using it to describe something trivial or small in quantity. It implies significant value.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'health is wealth' emphasizes that well-being is more valuable than material possessions, echoing the original meaning of 'wela'.
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