Golden

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Golden

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective

Pronunciation

GOL-dun  /ˈɡəʊld(ə)n/

Definition

Made of or resembling gold; having the colour of gold; (figuratively) excellent, precious, or supremely favourable; relating to a fiftieth anniversary.

Plain meaning

Golden means made of or resembling gold in colour or value. Figuratively, a golden opportunity is a supremely good one; a golden age is a period of peak excellence.

Register

Neutral to elevated. Golden is used across registers from everyday speech to formal and literary language. Its figurative uses are often quite elevated — the golden mean, golden silence — while its everyday uses — golden syrup, golden retriever — are entirely ordinary.