dīves
The Latin word for rich is dīves. If unsure, use dīves. Wiktionary also lists dīs and locuplēs.
Meaning: having wealth (adj)
Ways to say it
| Latin |
|---|
| dīves |
| dīs |
| locuplēs |
The primary way to express being rich is through the adjective dīves, which describes someone having wealth. In more formal contexts, you might use the phrase Divitias habens to mean 'having wealth' or the adjective Opulentus to mean 'wealthy' or 'rich'.
Which one should you use?
While dīves is a general term for a rich person, locuplēs is used in formal or literary contexts to specifically emphasize being 'full of resources' or 'well-provided,' describing a sense of abundance. The form dīs is also a variation of the word.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Medieval Latin, you may see the spelling diues used to mean 'rich'.
Did you know?
- The Latin root for wealth in dīves is closely related to the word for 'god' in other Indo-European languages, suggesting a prehistoric link between divinity and abundance.
- The word dīves is a 'common gender' adjective, meaning it uses the same form for both men and women regardless of the subject's gender.
- The word locuplēs carries a physical image of being 'full of resources', as it is etymologically rooted in the word for 'purse' or 'bag'.
Examples in context
- Homō dīves fierī volō.I want to become a rich person.This sentence shows how to express the desire to become a rich person using dīves.Tatoeba #11043098 by alexmarcelo, translation #9703323 by sebCurti
- Thōmās dīves fierī vult.Tom wants to become rich.This sentence demonstrates how to say that someone wants to become rich using dīves.Tatoeba #11043089 by alexmarcelo, translation #2644777 by CK
- Dīves clārusque fierī volō.I want to become rich and famous.This sentence illustrates how to say one wants to be both rich and famous using dīves.Tatoeba #11043096 by alexmarcelo, translation #6255123 by CK
- Vir divitias habens, splendidam domum possidetThe rich man owns a splendid house.
- Mulier opulenta gemmas splendidas portatThe wealthy woman wears splendid jewels.
- Ille est vere Croesus!He is truly rich!
- Homines magnam pecuniam habentes sunt fortunatiPeople who have a lot of money are fortunate.
- Vir luculentus villam magnam inhabitatThe prosperous man lives in a large villa.
- Iuvenis fortunatus insulam privatam possidetThe fortunate young man owns a private island.
- Mater familiae opulenta filios ad scholam mittitThe wealthy mother sends her children to school.
- Luculenta cena nobis apparuitA lavish dinner appeared for us.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Claudia and Gaius are discussing a wealthy merchant.
- ClaudiaEstne iste mercātor dīves?Is that merchant rich?
- GaiusIta, ille est valdē dīves.Yes, he is very rich.
- ClaudiaMultamne pecūniam habet?Does he have a lot of money?
- GaiusHabet, nam est vir dīves.He does, for he is a rich man.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rich” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
