Not surprisingly, the noun opulence comes from the Latin opulentia, meaning “wealthy.” A word that suggests extravagant excess, opulence describes lavish and visibly over-the-top living. Synonyms include abundance, prosperity, and riches. Said the novelist Joseph Conrad, “Protection is the first necessity of opulence and luxury.” Meaning, first secure one’s riches and safety, and then enjoy without a care in the world!