Millionaire: meaning, definitions and examples

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millionaire

[ˌmɪl.jəˈner ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

someone who has a lot of money

A millionaire is a person who has a net worth of one million dollars or more. Being a millionaire typically signifies a level of financial success and stability.

Synonyms

plutocrat, tycoon, wealthy person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
millionaire	This is a general term used to describe someone who has a net worth of at least one million units of currency. It can be used in both formal and informal settings. She became a millionaire after selling her tech startup. Several millionaires attended the charity gala.
tycoon	This word is used to describe a wealthy and powerful businessperson, often owning or controlling a large company or industry. It is typically used in a business or economic context. The media tycoon owns several major newspapers and TV stations. She is a real estate tycoon with properties all over the world.
plutocrat	This term refers to someone whose power derives from their wealth. It often has a negative connotation, suggesting that the person uses their wealth to exert control or influence. The policies favored the plutocrats at the expense of the working class. He was criticized as a plutocrat who had little concern for ordinary people.
wealthy person	This is a broad, neutral term to describe someone who has a lot of money. It can be used in a variety of settings, from casual conversations to more formal discussions. He is a wealthy person who often donates to various charities. Many wealthy persons attended the exclusive event.

Examples of usage

He became a millionaire after selling his successful business.
She inherited her wealth and became a millionaire overnight.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

someone who has a fortune or great wealth

A millionaire is often used to describe someone who has accumulated a significant amount of wealth. This term is associated with prosperity and financial abundance.

Synonyms

billionaire, moneyed individual, rich person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
millionaire	A millionaire is someone whose net worth is at least one million units of currency. This term is often used in contexts emphasizing wealth but not to the extreme of a billionaire. He became a millionaire after selling his tech startup. Despite being a millionaire, she still enjoys everyday activities.
billionaire	A billionaire is someone whose net worth is at least one billion units of currency. This term is typically used to describe individuals with immense wealth and significant influence. The philanthropist is a billionaire who donates large sums of money to various causes. The company was acquired by a billionaire entrepreneur.
rich person	Rich person is a more general term that describes someone who has a lot of money or assets. It can be used in a variety of contexts, both formal and informal. He married a rich person and now lives a life of luxury. She dreams of becoming a rich person one day.
moneyed individual	Moneyed individual refers to someone who has considerable wealth. This term is more formal and less frequently used in casual conversation. The gala was attended by many moneyed individuals and business elites. As a moneyed individual, he was able to fund the entire project.

Examples of usage

The mansion belonged to a millionaire who made his fortune in real estate.
She lived a lavish lifestyle as a millionaire philanthropist.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the French term 'millionaire', which means someone who has a million.
The prefix 'milli-' originates from the Latin 'mille', meaning 'thousand', combined with 'onaire' indicating a person involved with that amount.

Historical Origins

The first known millionaire in the modern sense was the American businessman John Jacob Astor in the early 19th century.
During the Gold Rush in the 1850s, many people became millionaires by discovering gold and striking it rich.

Pop Culture

Millionaires often appear in movies and television shows as characters living lavish lifestyles, which influences people's perceptions of wealth.
Popular reality TV shows like 'The Real Housewives' showcase the lives of millionaires, highlighting both opulence and drama.

Economics

Becoming a millionaire is often seen as a measure of personal success, leading many to pursue various paths, such as entrepreneurship or investing.
The rise of technology has led to a new breed of millionaires, particularly in the tech industry, where companies can generate vast wealth.

Psychology

Studies suggest that people's happiness doesn't always significantly increase with wealth, meaning many millionaires still seek deeper fulfillment.
Millennials aim to achieve financial security, often redefining what it means to be a millionaire in today’s economic landscape.

Translations

Translations of the word "millionaire" in other languages:

🇵🇹 milionário

🇮🇳 करोड़पति

🇩🇪 Millionär

🇮🇩 jutawan

🇺🇦 мільйонер

🇵🇱 milioner

🇯🇵 億万長者

🇫🇷 millionnaire

🇪🇸 millonario

🇹🇷 milyoner

🇰🇷 백만장자

🇸🇦 مليونير

🇨🇿 milionář

🇸🇰 milionár

🇨🇳 百万富翁

🇸🇮 milijonar

🇮🇸 milljónamæringur

🇰🇿 миллионер

🇬🇪 მილიონერი

🇦🇿 milyonçu

🇲🇽 millonario

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,699, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16696 retracted
16697 dame
16698 extruded
16699 millionaire
16700 follicle
16701 insolence
16702 equalize
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