Mansion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mansion

[หˆmanสƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

luxury residence

A large, impressive house or building, usually associated with wealth and luxury. Mansions often feature extensive grounds, multiple bedrooms, and high-end amenities.

Synonyms

chateau, estate, palace, villa.

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Word Description / Examples
mansion

A mansion is a large and impressive house, typically luxurious and spacious, often owned by wealthy individuals. It's used to describe a grand residence in urban or suburban areas.

  • The millionaire's mansion had ten bedrooms and a private cinema.
  • They hosted the charity gala at a stunning mansion overlooking the city.
estate

An estate refers to a large area of land and the buildings on it, especially one used for farming or an impressive house with extensive grounds. It can also mean an overall property in a legal sense.

  • The family estate included several acres of gardens and farmland.
  • He inherited a sprawling estate after his grandfather's passing.
palace

A palace is a large and splendid house, often official, where a king, queen, or other high-ranking person lives. It suggests opulence and formality.

  • The royal family resides in a historic palace in the heart of the capital.
  • Tourists marveled at the gilded halls of the magnificent palace.
villa

A villa is a large and luxurious country house, often situated in a resort area or countryside, used both as a permanent residence and a vacation home.

  • They spent the summer in a beachfront villa in Italy.
  • The villa's design was inspired by classic Mediterranean architecture.
chateau

A chateau is a large French country house or castle, often found in rural areas of France. It conveys a sense of history and grandeur.

  • They rented a chateau in the Loire Valley for their summer vacation.
  • The wine tasting event was held in a beautiful chateau surrounded by vineyards.

Examples of usage

  • The Hollywood star owned a sprawling mansion in Beverly Hills.
  • The historic mansion was renovated to include modern conveniences while preserving its original charm.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • Mansions often feature elaborate architectural styles, such as Gothic, Colonial, or Victorian, reflecting wealth.
  • Many mansions boast expansive grounds, gardens, and sometimes even guest houses or other buildings.
  • They frequently include luxury amenities like swimming pools, libraries, and ballrooms.

Cultural Significance

  • Mansions often symbolize wealth, status, and prestige in various cultures worldwide.
  • In literature and film, they are commonly portrayed as settings for important events or characters of high social standing.
  • Throughout history, mansions have served as venues for social gatherings, showcasing the lifestyle of the elite.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies and TV shows use mansions as settings due to their grand and visually appealing nature.
  • Famous real-life mansions, like the Playboy Mansion, have become cultural icons associated with lavish lifestyles.
  • Reality shows often feature mansion tours, revealing details about interior design and the lives of wealthy individuals.

Historical Usage

  • During the 18th and 19th centuries, many mansions were built in the United States by wealthy industrialists or landowners.
  • In Europe, country estates became popular among the aristocracy, serving as retreats from city life.
  • Some mansions have been preserved as historic sites, offering insight into the architectural and social history of their times.

Origin of 'mansion'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mansion' comes from the Latin 'mansio,' meaning 'dwelling' or 'abode.'
  • In medieval Europe, the term referred to a large house serving as a residence for nobility or wealthy individuals.
  • The modern usage started appearing in the 14th century, emphasizing size and grandeur.

The word 'mansion' has its origins in Latin 'mansio' meaning 'a staying, a residence'. Over time, the term evolved to represent grand residences typically owned by the wealthy or aristocratic families. Mansions have been symbols of power and prestige throughout history, often showcasing architectural prowess and luxury living.


Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,687 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.