Is rich a formal word?

It is common in everyday English and also works well in writing.

What is the difference between rich and wealthy?

Rich is more direct and common. Wealthy sounds a little more formal.

Can rich describe food and colour?

Yes. It can mean strong, deep, or full in taste, colour, or sound.

Is rich used in business English?

Yes, especially for describing people, companies, or countries with money.

← Dictionary

rich

/rɪtʃ/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Having a lot of money, property, or valuable things. Rich people have more wealth than most people. It can also mean something has a lot of an important quality, like taste, colour, or detail.

She comes from a rich family.
This cake has a rich chocolate flavour.
The painting is rich in colour.

Adinary Nuance

Rich is stronger and more direct than "well-off" or "comfortable". It usually suggests a clear amount of wealth, not just enough money for a good life. For taste, colour, or language, rich means full, deep, and strong, while "strong" or "deep" may fit better in some contexts.

In other languages

Vietnamese: giàu
Spanish: rico
Chinese: 富有
Japanese: 裕福な
Korean: 부유한

Etymology

From Old English rīce, meaning 'powerful' or 'wealthy', from a Germanic root. The modern sense of having wealth developed later in English.

Common phrases

rich inrich and famousrich soilrich taste

Synonyms

wealthy affluent well-off prosperous

Related words

money wealth luxury famous

Frequently asked questions

Is rich a formal word?: It is common in everyday English and also works well in writing.
What is the difference between rich and wealthy?: Rich is more direct and common. Wealthy sounds a little more formal.
Can rich describe food and colour?: Yes. It can mean strong, deep, or full in taste, colour, or sound.
Is rich used in business English?: Yes, especially for describing people, companies, or countries with money.