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palatial

/pəˈleɪʃəl/
IPA guide

Other forms: palatially

Knowing that the adjective palatial is derived from the same Latin word as palace gives you a good sense of its meaning: magnificent, reminiscent of a home fit for a king.

The Palatine (Collis Palatium in Latin) is the center of Rome’s famed Seven Hills. Tradition holds that it was the location on which Romulus founded the city, and it became a prestigious site for powerful Romans—including emperors—to build large, lavish homes. Palatium made its way into every Romance language and beyond: it became palazzo in Italian, palacio in Spanish, and palast in German. Palace entered English via the Old French palais. Power, affluence, extravagance: these are the qualities that should come to mind when you encounter the word palatial.

Definitions of palatial
  1. adjective
    relating to or being a palace
    “the palatial residence”
  2. adjective
    suitable for or like a palace
    palatial furnishings”
    “a palatial yacht”
    synonyms:
    impressive
    making a strong or vivid impression
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