Word: wealth

Associations

Wealth means having a lot of money, resources, or valuable possessions. It is often associated with abundance and prosperity.

• Example 1: "She inherited a great deal of wealth from her parents." (This means she received a lot of money or valuable things).
• Example 2: "The company’s wealth grew significantly after the successful launch of the new product." (In this case, wealth refers to the company's assets and profits).
• Example 3: "Knowledge is a form of wealth." (Here, wealth is used in a broader sense, signifying that knowledge has great value).

Wealth has a synonym "riches," but "riches" often emphasizes the value of specific items rather than a general state of abundance. For example, "She accumulated riches" sounds like she collected valuable items directly, while "she gained wealth" can refer to overall financial success.

Substitution

Other words that can replace "wealth" include:

• Prosperity: This word focuses more on success and thriving, not just money.
• Affluence: This emphasizes abundance, typically in lifestyle and possessions.
• Assets: Refers to specific valuable items or resources you own, rather than a measure of overall richness.

Deconstruction

The word "wealth" comes from the Old English word "wela," which means "well-being" or "a good condition." The word has no prefixes, but it represents the idea of having a good amount of valuable resources. Historically, wealth was not just about money but also health and happiness. Today, it usually refers more to financial resources.

Inquiry

• How do you define wealth in your own life?
• Can you think of someone you consider wealthy? Why do you think so?
• How can wealth be measured? Is it just about money, or are there other factors to consider?