Definition

The quality of being elegant, stylish, or luxurious, often associated with wealth or high social status.

Example

The poshness of the hotel impressed all the guests.

Conversation

Have you noticed the poshness of that new restaurant downtown?

Yeah, it looks really fancy!

I wonder if the food matches the poshness of the place.

It probably does, but it might be a bit pricey.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Poshness** → The word 'posh' is believed to originate from the Romani word 'posh' (meaning 'half') and was later associated with the phrase 'Port Out, Starboard Home', referring to the more desirable cabins on ships traveling to India during the British colonial period. The suffix '-ness' (meaning the state or quality of) indicates the quality of being posh. Therefore, 'poshness' refers to the state of being elegant or luxurious.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'posh' which relates to elegance and luxury, and remember that 'poshness' means the quality of being elegant or luxurious.

Visually Confused Words