Unit 21. Wealth and Social Class

Word

Definition

Example

accumulate

to build up a large amount of something

Investigators have yet to accumulate enough evidence

affluence

wealth and the lifestyle that goes with it

There's a lot of affluence in western countries

elite

belonging to a special, honored group

Brazil's political and business elite seem prepared to accept the election results

impoverish

to make a person or group poor

He was made to pay a ruinous fine that impoverished his family.

luxury

extreme comfort

A day off work is such a luxury

nobility

a group of socially and politicially prominent people

I was struck by the nobility of such an old, distinguished castle

prestige

honor and respect

The move was designed to enhance his personal prestige

privileged

enjoying special advantages

He has a less privileged, working-class background

prosper

to do well, usually in business

Lots of microchip manufacturing companies prospered at that time.

working class

people in low-paid jobs, often manual labour

Working class neighbourhoods hit hard by Madrid lockdown