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(A proofreader's note regarding “luxurious” and “luxuriant”)
“Luxurious,” “luxuriant” share ancestry in “luxus,”
Thus “luxury,” extravagant “excess.”
Dissimilar they are in that latter word listed,
With differences there to address.
Abundance in excess beyond expectations,
Or needs that are normally had,
Were painted out first in the former descriptor;
“Luxuriant” came later—a tad.
“Luxurious” by meaning “related to luxury”
Depicts also “comfort and ease”;
And “showing a love of such pleasures of luxury”
Is likewise a sense, if you please.
“Of finest and richest kind,” also another,
Bestows more of breadth to its brush.
The area of focus is opulence mainly,
With excess there favored as plush.
“Luxuriant,” in contrast, on “growth” has its focus,
Much less on the trappings of wealth;
Abundance of things in their flourishing nature,
Displaying an excess of health.
“His hair was described as luxuriant and glossy--
Abundantly growing, such flair.
Luxurious the living he quickly envisioned;
A pity the hair was from mare.”