extravaganza
ik-STRAV-uh-GAN-zuh
/ɪkˌstrævəˈɡænzə/
An elaborate, spectacular, and expensive theatrical production or public entertainment.
Implies lavish decoration, grand scale, high expense, and unrestrained sensory spectacle.
The story behind the word. Borrowing from Italian theatrical terminology, the word literally means 'wandering beyond normal bounds.' It entered English in the 19th century to describe dramatic pieces characterized by freedom from rule, extravagant costumes, and whimsical display.
Word relationships
- spectacle: A spectacle focuses on visual impact, whereas an extravaganza emphasizes elaborate production, cost, and grand entertainment value.
- pageant: A pageant often involves historical or ceremonial procession, while an extravaganza centers on theatrical luxury.
- understatement: Understatement reflects restrained simplicity rather than lavish grandeur.
Commonly confused with
- gala: A gala is a festive formal party or dinner, while an extravaganza is a large-scale, highly elaborate public performance or show.
Collocations
- musical extravaganza
- stage extravaganza
- midnight extravaganza
- visual extravaganza
Idioms & expressions
- a lavish extravaganza
Example sentences
- "The hotel hosted a midnight extravaganza featuring live orchestras, acrobats, and lavish banquets." Entertainment Journalism
- "Organizers spared no expense in creating a multi-stage musical extravaganza for the new year." Event Planning
Memory hook
Extra-vagant costume and grand show wandering beyond normal bounds. Extra extravagant show.
When not to use
Do not apply to modest, quiet, or simple gatherings; an extravaganza must be intentionally grandiose.
Fun facts
- The term was first popularized in Victorian theater for comedic operatic parodies featuring fairy-tale themes and elaborate scenery.
Explore more words
extravagant, pageantry, extravagance, spectacle, gala, revelry
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