extravagantes
C1Formal / Literary
Definition
Meaning
Plural of 'extravagant', meaning people who are excessively elaborate, unrestrained, or spendthrift in their behaviour or habits.
More commonly, refers to things, ideas, or actions that are lacking in restraint, wildly exaggerated, or excessively costly. In a specific historical context, it can refer to certain papal decretals outside the main body of canon law.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Most often used as a descriptive plural noun referring to people (the extravagantes) or their actions. The adjectival plural form is typically 'extravagant' for things. The word carries a strong connotation of excess, often with a critical or disapproving tone, though it can be used humorously.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British literary or journalistic contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, implies wastefulness, lack of practicality, or being over-the-top.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly higher in UK English, particularly in written critiques (e.g., of art, fashion, or spending).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The + extravagantes + verb (e.g., spent, gathered, revelled)Labelled as + extravagantesVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not commonly used in idioms as a plural noun; the adjective 'extravagant' is used instead]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could describe executives with unrestrained expense accounts.
Academic
Rare in modern academia. Primarily in historical/legal texts referring to papal decrees.
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound literary or deliberately formal.
Technical
Specific use in historical canon law.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- They lived extravagantly, far beyond their means.
American English
- She spends extravagantly on designer handbags.
adjective
British English
- The guests were all rather extravagant in their dress.
American English
- The proposals were dismissed as extravagant and unrealistic.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The article criticised the city's young extravagantes for their reckless spending.
- The nouveaux riches were seen as vulgar extravagantes, flaunting their wealth in a society facing austerity.
- In mediaeval canon law, the 'Extravagantes' were decretals compiled after the Corpus Juris Canonici.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EXTRA-VAGABONDS – people who go (like vagabonds) WAY beyond normal limits (extra).
Conceptual Metaphor
EXCESS IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (they are swept away by extravagance); MONEY IS A LIQUID (they pour it out).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating as 'экстраваганты' – this is a clear calque. The standard Russian plural adjective is 'экстравагантные' (люди/идеи). The noun form is not standard.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a singular noun ('an extravagante').
- Confusing it with the more common adjective 'extravagant'.
- Misspelling: extrvagantes, extravegantes.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'extravagantes' a recognised technical term?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is quite rare and formal. The adjective 'extravagant' is far more common.
No, it is strictly plural. There is no standard singular form 'extravagante' in modern English.
Using it in everyday conversation where it would sound unnatural and overly literary. Prefer terms like 'extravagant people' or 'spendthrifts'.
Yes, in a specialised historical/legal context, it refers to certain papal decrees not included in the main body of canon law.