Rich
"Rich" is an English word with multiple meanings and uses. Primarily, it is an adjective denoting the possession of great material wealth or abundant resources, often used to describe individuals, nations, or areas with significant financial or economic prosperity.[1][2] The term can also refer to something plentiful in a desirable quality, such as a rich soil fertile with nutrients, a rich flavor full and intense, or a rich color deep and vibrant.[3][4] The word "rich" originates from Middle English riche, meaning "strong, powerful, or wealthy," which evolved from Old English rīċe ("powerful, mighty, high-ranking").[5] This, in turn, derives from Proto-Germanic *rīkijaz, connected to concepts of power and rule, ultimately tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₃reǵ- or reg-, meaning "to move in a straight line" or "to direct, lead," implying leadership.[5][6] Influenced by Old French riche ("wealthy, magnificent"), the term reinforced its associations with opulence during the Middle English period.[5] In broader contexts, "rich" extends to socioeconomic discussions, where it distinguishes those with substantial assets from the general population; for instance, the rich are often defined as having income or net worth far exceeding median levels, enabling financial independence.[7] Synonyms like wealthy, affluent, and opulent convey similar ideas but vary in nuance: wealthy emphasizes accumulated assets, while affluent suggests a comfortable flow of resources. Beyond economics, the adjective applies to cultural and sensory experiences, such as rich historical narratives abundant in detail or rich musical compositions layered with harmony.[3] It is also used as a proper noun, such as in personal names, places, and titles, with further details in subsequent sections of this article.[10]General meanings
As an adjective
In English, "rich" as an adjective primarily denotes the possession of great wealth, valuable resources, or abundant material possessions.[1] The sense denoting wealth evolved in late Middle English from Old English rīce, meaning "powerful, mighty, or of high rank," derived from Proto-Germanic *rīkijaz related to concepts of strength and authority, and ultimately tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₃reǵ-, meaning "to straighten" or "right," implying leadership.[5] This was reinforced by Old French riche ("wealthy, magnificent"). Historically, the term evolved to emphasize economic abundance, as seen in Middle English usages linking it to nobility and substantial holdings.[11] Beyond material wealth, "rich" describes sensory and qualitative attributes that convey intensity, fullness, or luxury. For instance, it characterizes food or flavors as deeply satisfying and robust, such as the rich, velvety taste of dark chocolate or a creamy sauce.[1] In visual terms, it applies to colors that are deep, vibrant, and saturated, like the rich crimson of autumn leaves or the opulent gold of a sunset. Similarly, for textures or substances, it signifies fertility and productivity, as in rich, loamy soil that supports abundant plant growth.[1] Figurative extensions of "rich" highlight abundance or depth in abstract domains, often implying a wealth of qualities or experiences. A place or culture might be described as rich in history, denoting layers of cultural significance and accumulated heritage, such as ancient Rome's rich tapestry of events and artifacts.[11] Likewise, it can denote creative or intellectual plenitude, as in a rich imagination teeming with innovative ideas or a narrative rich in symbolism that rewards multiple interpretations.[1] In literature, William Shakespeare employs "rich" and its adverbial form "richly" to evoke opulence and endowment, particularly in themes of wealth and value. In The Merchant of Venice (c. 1596–1598), Bassanio describes Portia as "a lady richly left," underscoring her substantial inheritance and the play's exploration of fortune's allure. This usage reflects the era's linguistic nuance, blending material riches with metaphorical bounty.As a noun
In English, "rich" functions as a noun primarily in its plural form "the rich," denoting a social class of individuals possessing substantial wealth or resources. This usage emphasizes a collective group distinguished by economic affluence, often contrasted with "the poor" in discussions of socioeconomic stratification. For instance, the term appears in sociological contexts to describe how wealth perpetuates class divisions, where access to capital and opportunities reinforces existing inequalities.[2][12] The proverb "the rich get richer," originating in Percy Bysshe Shelley's 1821 essay A Defence of Poetry, illustrates these dynamics by highlighting how wealth accumulation benefits those already prosperous, a concept rooted in 19th-century observations of economic disparity. This phrase, later expanded to "the rich get richer and the poor get poorer," underscores the Matthew effect in sociology, where advantages compound over time. Globally, this concentration is evident in wealth distribution: according to the UBS Global Wealth Report 2025, global household wealth reached approximately $471 trillion by the end of 2024, with the richest 1% owning 47.5% of global wealth as of 2023—a trend that continued amid 4.6% growth in 2024.[13][14] Historically, "rich" has also served as shorthand for "riches," referring to accumulated treasure or valuable possessions, particularly in medieval literature and artifacts. For example, descriptions of hoards like the 7th-century Sutton Hoo burial in England highlight "rich" assemblages of gold, silver, and jewels symbolizing power and prosperity. In cultural idioms, phrases like "born with a silver spoon in one's mouth"—first recorded in 1719—depict inherited wealth, alluding to the 17th-century European custom of affluent godparents gifting silver spoons to newborns as symbols of future riches.[15][16][17]Places
In the United States
Rich County in Utah is a rural county in the northern part of the state, established on December 31, 1864, initially as Richland County before being renamed Rich County in 1868.[18] Covering approximately 1,034 square miles of land area, it is known for its scenic landscapes, including the eastern shore of Bear Lake, which straddles the Utah-Idaho border and supports tourism and recreation with its turquoise waters and raspberry farming in the surrounding valleys.[18] The county's economy remains centered on agriculture, livestock, and small-scale farming, with a population of 2,510 as recorded in the 2020 U.S. Census and an estimated 2,670 residents as of July 1, 2023.[19] Projections indicate continued modest growth, reaching approximately 2,800 by 2025, reflecting its stable, low-density rural character.[20] Rich Township, located in Lapeer County, Michigan, spans 35.3 square miles of primarily flat, fertile land suitable for agriculture and residential development. Organized in the mid-19th century as part of Michigan's township system, it features a mix of farmland, woodlands, and suburban homes, with zoning that preserves agricultural-forestry-residential uses to maintain its rural identity. The township's population was 1,623 in the 2010 U.S. Census and 1,500 in the 2020 U.S. Census, supporting community-focused land use that balances farming with low-density housing.[21] In Illinois, Rich Township is one of 29 townships in Cook County, established in 1850 and situated in the south suburbs of Chicago.[22] Encompassing about 36 square miles, it includes diverse municipalities such as Olympia Fields, Park Forest, and portions of Chicago Heights, with a focus on residential neighborhoods, parks, and community services.[22] The township's population was 72,925 according to the 2020 U.S. Census, reflecting its role as a suburban hub with access to urban amenities while preserving green spaces.[23] Rich, an unincorporated community in Coahoma County, Mississippi, along the Yazoo Pass waterway in the Mississippi Delta, traces its origins to the late 19th century with a post office operating from 1888 to 1994. Known for its agricultural ties to the region's cotton and soybean farming, the small settlement had a recorded population of 30 in the 1900 U.S. Census, emphasizing its historical rural scale amid the Delta's flat, fertile lands. Richvale, an unincorporated community in Butte County, California—not Los Angeles County as sometimes misattributed—emerged in the late 19th century amid the area's transition to intensive agriculture.[24] Settled by pioneers in the 1880s who initially grappled with heavy clay soils unsuitable for traditional Midwest crops, it became a hub for rice cultivation starting in 1912, when the first 1,000 acres were planted, leveraging irrigation from the nearby Feather River.[25] Today, it remains a key rice-producing area, contributing to Butte County's agricultural legacy with family farms and historic structures dating to its early 20th-century boom, and had a population of 234 as of the 2020 U.S. Census.[26][27]Elsewhere
Outside the United States, geographic locations named "Rich" are rare and typically small settlements with limited documentation. One example is Er-Rich, a town in Midelt Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco, situated along the Oued Ziz river. Developed around a historic ksar (fortified village), it served as an important fortress in the past and features remnants of a small church and a synagogue used until the 1960s by the local Jewish community. The town is also near the site of the former Tazmamart prison, a notorious secret facility used during the 1970s and 1980s. As of 2024, Er-Rich had a population of 28,462.[28] In Pakistan, a minor place named Rich exists in the Northern Areas (now Gilgit-Baltistan), though it remains sparsely documented and likely represents a small rural settlement tied to the region's mountainous terrain and local agriculture.[29] Other international references, such as Rich's Island in Antarctica or Rich Bay in Australia, appear to be unsubstantiated or misattributed in available sources, with no verifiable geographic features matching these names. Historical records do not indicate any renamed "Rich" settlements from colonial Africa, where place names were more commonly altered to reflect European influences without specific ties to "Rich."People
Surname
The surname Rich is of English origin, most commonly derived from the Middle English personal name Rich, a diminutive or pet form of Richard, which itself stems from the Germanic elements ric ("ruler" or "powerful") and hard ("hardy" or "brave"). Alternatively, it could function as a nickname for a wealthy individual, from the Middle English and Old French term riche meaning "rich" or "wealthy".[30][31] The name spread through Norman influence after the 1066 Conquest and remains prevalent in English-speaking countries, with 49,481 bearers in the United States as of the 2010 census (ranking 696th), equating to a frequency of approximately 1 in 5,962 people or 0.016% of the population.[32] Among historical figures, Richard Rich, 1st Baron Rich (c. 1496–1567) was a prominent English lawyer, politician, and administrator who rose to become Lord Chancellor under King Edward VI from 1547 to 1551. Noted for his opportunistic alliances during the Tudor era, Rich served as Solicitor General and played a pivotal role in the 1535 treason trial of Sir Thomas More by providing key testimony alleging More's denial of Henry VIII's supremacy over the Church, which contributed directly to More's conviction and execution.[33] In the realm of music, Buddy Rich (1917–1987), born Bernard Rich, was an acclaimed American jazz drummer, bandleader, and composer whose career spanned seven decades, beginning as a child prodigy in vaudeville at age 18 months. Renowned for his extraordinary speed, power, and technical innovation on the drums, he performed with bands led by Artie Shaw and Tommy Dorsey before forming his own influential big band in the 1960s, which blended bebop, swing, and Latin elements.[34] Similarly, Robert Rich (born 1963) is an American ambient and experimental musician based in California, who has shaped subgenres such as dark ambient, tribal, and trance through over 50 albums produced across four decades, often incorporating custom-built synthesizers and long-form improvisations.[35] Adrienne Rich (1929–2012) was a groundbreaking American poet, essayist, and feminist activist whose prolific output challenged patriarchal structures and explored intersections of gender, sexuality, race, and politics. Her collections, including Diving into the Wreck (1973), earned her the National Book Award, and her essays in works like Of Woman Born (1976) became foundational texts in feminist theory, influencing second-wave feminism by emphasizing women's autonomy and reimagining power dynamics.[36]Given name
Rich is a masculine given name of English origin, serving as a diminutive or short form of Richard, which derives from the Old High German elements rīk ("ruler, king") and harduz ("hard, brave"), meaning "brave ruler".[37] In the United States, the name's popularity as a given name peaked during the 1960s, reaching its highest national ranking of #885 in 1962 according to Social Security Administration data, though it never entered the top 300 overall.[38] Notable individuals with Rich as a given name span entertainment and sports. In entertainment, Rich Little (born November 26, 1938) is a Canadian-American comedian and impressionist renowned for mimicking over 200 celebrities, earning the nickname "Man of a Thousand Voices" and gaining fame through appearances on The Tonight Show in the 1960s and 1970s.[39] Rich Mullins (October 21, 1955 – September 19, 1997) was an American contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter, best known for hits like "Awesome God" and his work with the band Ragamuffin Band, releasing nine albums during his career.[40] In sports, Rich Gannon (born December 20, 1965) is a former NFL quarterback who played 18 seasons, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders, where he earned four Pro Bowl selections, the 2002 NFL MVP award, and led the Raiders to Super Bowl XXXVII.[41] Rich Froning Jr. (born March 8, 1987) is an American CrossFit athlete from Tennessee, dubbed the "Fittest Man on Earth" after winning the CrossFit Games individually four consecutive times from 2011 to 2014 and later as part of a team.[42] More recently, Rich Paul (born December 16, 1981) has risen as a prominent sports agent, founding Klutch Sports Group in 2012 and representing high-profile NBA clients including LeBron James, while expanding into NFL and other leagues.[43]Arts, entertainment, and media
Fictional characters
Rich Uncle Pennybags, also known as Mr. Monopoly, is the iconic mascot of the board game Monopoly, first appearing on the Chance and Community Chest cards in 1936 as part of Parker Brothers' commercial release.[44] Depicted as a wealthy, mustachioed gentleman in a top hat and morning coat, the character embodies the game's themes of property acquisition and financial success, serving as a visual symbol of affluence and capitalist ambition.[44] Richie Rich, often called "the poor little rich boy," is a comic book character created by Alfred Harvey and artist Warren Kremer for Harvey Comics, debuting as a backup feature in Little Dot #1 in September 1953.[45] Portrayed as the only child of billionaire industrialist Richard Rich, the young protagonist resides in the opulent Richville and frequently uses his vast fortune for inventive gadgets and charitable acts, highlighting themes of inherited wealth and youthful ingenuity in over 50 comic titles and more than 2,000 issues.[45] In Stephen King's post-apocalyptic novel The Stand (1978), minor characters with the name Rich appear in adaptations, such as Rich Moffat in the 1994 ABC miniseries, portrayed by Dan Martin across two episodes as an early figure amid the superflu outbreak.[46] Such portrayals often position characters named Rich as peripheral survivors or opportunists navigating societal collapse.[46] Fictional characters named Rich are commonly depicted as affluent or resourceful figures, reflecting broader cultural associations with wealth and privilege in American media, from comic strips to horror narratives.[47]Music
In music, "Rich" has appeared as a title and thematic element in various works across genres, often evoking themes of wealth, aspiration, or irony. Notable examples include albums, songs, and artists that incorporate the word directly, spanning punk, hip-hop, country, and pop. The English new wave band Rich Kids, formed in 1977 by former Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock alongside guitarist Steve New, drummer Rusty Egan, and vocalist Midge Ure, released their sole studio album Ghosts of Princes in Towers in 1978 on EMI Records.[48] The group, known for blending punk energy with power-pop melodies, disbanded later that year after modest commercial success, with singles like "Rich Kids" reaching No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart.[49] In hip-hop, Atlanta-based rapper Rich Homie Quan (born Dequantes Devontay Lamar) rose to prominence in the 2010s with mixtapes and albums emphasizing trap beats and melodic flows. His major-label debut Rich as in Spirit (2018) on Quality Control Music/Tree Music debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, featuring hits like "Changed" and collaborations with artists such as Yung Thug.[50] Earlier, the supergroup Rich Gang—comprising Birdman, Young Thug, and others under Cash Money Records—released their self-titled debut album Rich Gang in 2013, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and included the platinum-certified single "Tapout" featuring Future, Lil Wayne, and Mack Maine.[51] 50 Cent's seminal debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2003) on Shady Records/Aftermath/Interscope revolutionized commercial hip-hop with its gritty narratives on street life and success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and selling over 12 million copies worldwide.[52] The project earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in 2004.[53] Songs titled "Rich" or incorporating the term have also achieved chart success. Daryl Hall & John Oates' "Rich Girl" (1976) from the album Bigger Than Both of Us on RCA Records topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks, critiquing inherited wealth with its funky, soul-inflected groove. In country-pop, Maren Morris' "Rich" (2018) from her debut album Hero on Columbia Nashville blended reggae rhythms and empowering lyrics about emotional fulfillment over material gain, peaking at No. 15 on the Hot Country Songs chart and earning a performance slot at the 2018 Academy of Country Music Awards.[54] More recently, Drake's "Rich Baby Daddy" (2023) featuring Sexyy Red and SZA from the album For All the Dogs on OVO Sound/Republic Records, peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA, exemplifying 2020s hip-hop's blend of bravado and vulnerability around wealth.[55] Such tracks often nod to broader hip-hop traditions of wealth-themed storytelling.[56]Film and television
Rich Man, Poor Man is a 1976 American television miniseries adapted from Irwin Shaw's 1969 novel of the same name, airing on ABC from February 1 to March 15 in 12 episodes.[57] The series chronicles the divergent paths of two brothers, Rudy Jordache (Peter Strauss), who rises to wealth and political power, and Tom Jordache (Nick Nolte), who struggles with poverty and personal demons, set against the backdrop of post-World War II America through the 1960s.[58] It achieved significant viewership success, averaging a 28.0 rating and ranking as the second-highest rated program of the 1976-77 season, establishing the miniseries format as a major television genre.[59] In The Simpsons, episodes often satirize themes of wealth and class disparity, such as "The Great Money Caper" (season 12, episode 7, 2000), where Homer and Bart engage in scams that highlight the allure and pitfalls of sudden riches in Springfield's economy.[60] Another example is "The Old Man and the Lisa" (season 8, episode 21, 1997), in which Mr. Burns loses his fortune and rebuilds it through Lisa's eco-friendly business idea, poking fun at corporate greed and environmental exploitation. The 1981 drama Rich and Famous, directed by George Cukor in his final film, stars Candice Bergen as Merry Noel, a suburban housewife turned bestselling author, and Jacqueline Bisset as Liz Hamilton, her intellectual college friend and serious novelist, exploring their evolving friendship amid fame and personal conflicts over two decades.[61] A loose remake of the 1943 film Old Acquaintance, it grossed approximately $13 million domestically, reflecting moderate commercial reception for a character-driven drama.[62] The Rich Man's Wife (1996) is a thriller directed by Amy Holden Jones, featuring Halle Berry as Josie Potenza, who becomes entangled in a murder plot after confiding her frustrations about her wealthy, neglectful husband (Christopher McDonald) to a stranger.[63] The film, which delves into themes of marital discontent and moral ambiguity, earned $8.5 million at the U.S. box office, underscoring its niche appeal in the mid-1990s suspense genre.[64] The 1985 comedy Brewster's Millions, a remake of the 1945 film based on George Barr McCutcheon's 1902 novel, stars Richard Pryor as Montgomery Brewster, a minor-league baseball player who must spend $30 million in 30 days to inherit $300 million from his eccentric great-uncle, navigating absurd expenditures while concealing his windfall.[65] Directed by Walter Hill, it highlights the comedic challenges of sudden wealth and grossed $45.8 million worldwide, contributing to Pryor's string of box-office successes in the 1980s.[66]Organizations
Businesses
Rich Products Corporation, a privately held multinational food company, was founded in 1945 in Buffalo, New York, by Robert E. Rich Sr., who invented the world's first non-dairy whipped topping using soybean oil.[67] The company has grown into a global leader in frozen and convenience foods, specializing in products for the foodservice industry, retail baking, and consumer brands, with operations in over 100 countries and approximately 13,000 employees worldwide.[68] In 2024, Rich Products reported revenue of $5.8 billion, reflecting its expansion through acquisitions and innovation in categories like doughs, toppings, and appetizers.[69] A key milestone in the company's diversification occurred in 1976 when it acquired SeaPak Shrimp & Seafood Company, establishing Rich-Sea-Pak as a prominent brand in value-added frozen seafood products, including shrimp and fish items sold in retail and foodservice channels.[70] This acquisition bolstered Rich Products' portfolio in the seafood sector, contributing to its growth as a top U.S. retail shrimp provider.[71] In recent years, the company has emphasized sustainability, committing to 100% sustainable sourcing for palm oil, seafood, and paper-based fiber by 2025 with goals set for achievement by 2025, alongside a 25% reduction in carbon emissions intensity from plant operations by the same year.[72] These initiatives align with its expansion into plant-based foods, offering gluten-free and vegan options like plant-based pizzas and flatbreads to meet demand for healthier, environmentally conscious products.[73][74] Rich's Department Stores was a prominent American retail chain founded in 1867 in Atlanta, Georgia, by Morris Rich (originally Mauritius Reich), starting as a dry goods store that evolved into a full-line department store serving the southeastern United States.[75] Known for its customer-friendly policies, such as an unconditional return guarantee, the chain expanded to multiple locations across Georgia, Alabama, and other states, becoming a cultural landmark with traditions like the annual Great Tree lighting.[76] In 1976, Federated Department Stores acquired Rich's for approximately $280 million, integrating it into its portfolio while allowing the brand to operate independently.[77] Following Federated's 1994 merger with R.H. Macy & Company, stores were rebranded as Rich's-Macy's, and by 2003, the Rich's name was phased out in favor of Macy's, with the last standalone Rich's locations closing or converting by 2005.[78] Among other businesses bearing the name, Rich's Oil Service, a minor energy firm founded in 1986 in Enfield, Connecticut, provides heating oil delivery, plumbing, and HVAC services to residential and commercial customers in north central Connecticut.[79] The company focuses on fuel oil distribution and energy efficiency solutions, maintaining a regional presence without significant national expansion.[80]Other entities
Rich East High School, located in Park Forest, Illinois, was the first high school in Rich Township High School District 227, opening in 1952 as the East Campus of Rich Township High School.[81] The district itself was established in 1949 to serve the growing post-World War II suburban communities, with the school's construction financed by a $1.6 million bond issue to accommodate rapid population growth.[81] Originally designed as a model institution with advanced facilities, it educated generations of students until its closure in 2020 due to declining enrollment and infrastructure challenges, after which its programs were consolidated into other district schools.[82] Rich Township High School STEM Campus (formerly Rich Central Campus), situated in Olympia Fields, Illinois, opened in 1971 as the second high school in the district to address overcrowding at the original campus. Following district reconfiguration after the 2020 closure of Rich East, the district consolidated into a single high school across multiple campuses, including the STEM Campus. It serves students from Olympia Fields, Matteson, and surrounding areas, focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.[83][84] The campus has emphasized academic programs and extracurricular activities, including athletics under the Olympians mascot, contributing to the district's commitment to diverse educational opportunities in the south Chicago suburbs.[85] The Rich Foundation, a private nonprofit based in Stamford, Connecticut, supports charitable causes in lower Fairfield County, with a strong emphasis on the arts, education, healthcare, and social services.[86] Established by the F.D. Rich Company, it has distributed over $8 million in grants since its inception, funding organizations such as the Stamford Symphony Orchestra, Connecticut Ballet, and Stamford Center for the Arts to promote cultural enrichment and community access to performing arts.[86] The foundation operates under Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, prioritizing local initiatives that enhance artistic expression and public engagement.[86] The Richland Bombers represent the athletic teams of Richland High School in Richland, Washington, a public institution originally founded as Columbia High School in 1910 and renamed in 1982.[87] The Bombers nickname, adopted in the 1940s, draws from the area's atomic history tied to the nearby Hanford Site, symbolizing local pride in scientific and industrial heritage; the football program, in particular, dates to 1912 and has secured state championships in 1981, 1999, and 2017.[88] Competing in the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association's 4A classification, the teams participate in sports like football, basketball, and cross country, fostering community spirit in this Mid-Columbia region school.[89]Military
Navy ships
Two United States Navy ships have been named USS Rich, both honoring Lieutenant (junior grade) Ralph McMaster Rich, a naval aviator killed in action in 1942.[90][91] The first USS Rich (DE-695) was a Buckley-class destroyer escort laid down on 27 March 1943 by Defoe Shipbuilding Company in Bay City, Michigan, launched on 22 June 1943, and commissioned on 1 October 1943 under Lieutenant Commander Edward A. Michel, Jr.[90] Displacing approximately 1,800 tons with a length of 306 feet, beam of 36 feet 10 inches, and draft of 13 feet 6 inches, she was armed with three 3-inch/50 caliber guns, four 40 mm guns, five 20 mm guns, two depth charge tracks, eight depth charge projectors, one hedgehog projector, and three 21-inch torpedo tubes, achieving speeds up to 24 knots with a complement of 215 officers and enlisted.[90] Following shakedown training in Bermuda from October to November 1943, she conducted transatlantic convoy escorts from December 1943 to May 1944, including runs to Argentia, Newfoundland; the Panama Canal Zone; and Irish ports.[90] In June 1944, she supported Operation Neptune, the naval component of the Normandy invasion, screening transports off Utah Beach.[90] On 8 June 1944, while maneuvering near the Bay of the Seine (49°31'N, 01°10.5'W), she struck three German mines, resulting in her rapid sinking; 27 crewmen were killed, 73 wounded, 62 missing, and 54 rescued by nearby vessels.[90] She earned one battle star for World War II service and was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on 29 July 1944.[90] The second USS Rich (DD-820) was a Gearing-class destroyer laid down on 16 May 1944 by Consolidated Steel Corporation in Orange, Texas, launched on 5 October 1945, and commissioned on 3 July 1946, sponsored by the namesake's widow.[91] Displacing 2,425 tons with a length of 390 feet 10 inches, beam of 41 feet, and draft of 18 feet 6 inches, she was powered for speeds up to 35 knots, carried a complement of 350, and was initially armed with six 5-inch/38 caliber guns, twelve 40 mm guns, six depth charge projectors, two depth charge tracks, and ten 21-inch torpedo tubes.[91] After shakedown in the Caribbean and initial operations along the U.S. East Coast and in the Mediterranean through 1947, she underwent conversion to an escort destroyer (DDE-820) in 1949, emphasizing antisubmarine warfare.[91] In the early 1950s, during the Korean War era, she conducted multiple Mediterranean deployments, including support for NATO exercises and patrols in the western Atlantic.[91] In 1962, she participated in the Cuban quarantine during the missile crisis, and in 1963–1964, she underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) upgrade, reverting to DD-820 with enhanced antisubmarine capabilities.[91] Further deployments included the Mediterranean in the mid-1960s, recovery operations for Project Mercury (1961) and Gemini missions (1965), and Apollo X (1969).[91] During the Vietnam War, she served two tours in 1968—May to July providing plane guard and escort duties for carriers such as USS Bon Homme Richard, and September to October on search-and-rescue missions—earning three battle stars.[91] Later operations included the Indian Ocean in 1969–1970 and a final Mediterranean cruise in 1971.[91] In July 1977, she collided with the oiler USS Caloosahatchee off Puerto Rico due to a steering casualty, leading to her decommissioning on 10 November 1977 and striking from the register on 15 December 1977; she was sold for scrap on 5 December 1979.[92][91] The legacy of the USS Rich vessels endures through commemorations, including a historical marker in Bedford, Virginia, honoring the DE-695 crew's sacrifice during D-Day, and a memorial plaque at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas, dedicated to DD-820.[93][94] A veterans' association preserves crew memories and supports naval heritage initiatives.Other vessels
Several merchant vessels have borne the name Rich, primarily in commercial shipping operations. These include container ships, tankers, and general cargo carriers registered under various flags, reflecting the common use of simple, evocative names in modern maritime commerce. The container ship Rich (IMO 9247950), built in 2002 by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea, measured 232 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 35,589. Originally sailing under the Liberian flag for Mediterranean Shipping Company, she operated on global trade routes until being laid up and not in service since 2017.[95] Another notable example is the crude oil tanker Rich (IMO 8114986), constructed in 1984 by Hyundai Heavy Industries. At 261.82 meters long and with a deadweight tonnage of approximately 140,000 metric tons, this Aframax-class vessel transported petroleum products worldwide, initially under the Liberian flag, until being towed to Alang, India, for scrapping in 2018.[96][97] In the general cargo sector, the Rich Sailing (IMO 9153991), a bulk carrier built in 1997 by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding in Japan, spans 179.9 meters and has a deadweight tonnage of 28,243. Registered under the Bahamas flag and operated by companies in the Pacific trade, she remains active in routine bulk freight voyages without major reported incidents as of November 2025.[98] The Rich Anna (IMO 9366847; formerly Rich Mountain), a smaller general cargo ship launched in 2005 by Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering in China, measures 87 meters with a gross tonnage of 2,188. Flying the Panamanian flag, it serves regional routes in Asia and has no documented sinkings or notable voyages beyond standard operations; it was active in Southeast Asia as of 2025.[99][100] Additionally, the Baoshan Rich (IMO 9128843), a general cargo vessel built in 1995 by Jiangnan Shipyard in China, is 116.5 meters long with a deadweight of 8,706 tons. Operated under the Sierra Leone flag, it has transported diverse cargoes across international waters and remains active as of November 2025, emphasizing the practical role of such named vessels in global logistics.[101] No significant incidents, such as sinkings or notable voyages, are recorded for these non-military vessels named Rich in historical or contemporary sources. Private luxury yachts explicitly named Rich are not prominently documented, though vessels like the motor yacht Richar (built 2008 by CRN, 56.7 meters) share phonetic similarities and represent high-end private ownership in the sector.[102]Science and technology
Mathematics
In number theory, an abundant number is defined as a positive integer n for which the sum of its proper divisors exceeds n itself. The smallest abundant number is 12, whose proper divisors are 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6, summing to 16.[103] The defining condition for an abundant number n is given by the inequality \sigma(n) - n > n, where \sigma(n) denotes the sum-of-divisors function, which aggregates all positive divisors of n. Equivalently, this simplifies to \sigma(n) > 2n, indicating that the abundance \sigma(n) - 2n is positive. To verify if a given n is abundant, one computes \sigma(n) by factoring n into primes and using the multiplicative property of \sigma: if n = p_1^{a_1} p_2^{a_2} \cdots p_k^{a_k}, then \sigma(n) = \prod_{i=1}^k (1 + p_i + \cdots + p_i^{a_i}). For variants of abundant numbers, such as primitive ones (not multiples of smaller abundant numbers), a proof sketch involves showing that there exist infinitely many such primitives by constructing numbers with sufficiently many small prime factors to ensure \sigma(n)/n > 2, while keeping the radical (product of distinct primes) minimal; this relies on the density of primes and estimates from the Euler product for the zeta function.[103] Applications of abundant numbers appear in computational number theory, where efficient algorithmic checks are essential for studying divisor distributions and related conjectures. These tools have implications for testing inequalities like Robin's criterion linking abundant numbers to the Riemann hypothesis.[104]Computing
In computing, "Rich" commonly refers to several formats and protocols designed to enhance data representation and user interaction beyond plain text. The Rich Text Format (RTF) is a proprietary file format developed by Microsoft in 1987 for cross-platform interchange of formatted documents.[105] It uses the .rtf file extension and encodes text with control words and groups to support basic formatting such as bold, italics, fonts, colors, and images, while remaining readable in a text editor.[106] The format's structure is hierarchical, beginning with a header like {\rtf1\ansi, followed by content groups; for example, a simple bolded "Hello" is represented as {\rtf1\ansi\b Hello}.[106]Microsoft's official specification, version 1.9.1 released in March 2008, remains the current standard, incorporating support for advanced features like XML integration and embedded objects.[106] In 2025, Microsoft issued security updates to address vulnerabilities in RTF processing, particularly in applications like Outlook, mitigating risks from malicious files that could enable remote code execution.[107] Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) are web-based applications that deliver desktop-like interactivity, including smooth animations, real-time updates, and rich media, typically through browser plugins or native web technologies.[108] The term originated in a 2002 Macromedia white paper and gained prominence with technologies like Adobe Flash, which enabled vector graphics, video streaming, and dynamic UIs in the 2000s.[109] Flash's dominance waned post-2010 due to security vulnerabilities, performance issues on mobile devices, and the maturation of HTML5, which provides similar capabilities natively without plugins.[110] Adobe ended Flash support in December 2020, accelerating the shift to HTML5-based RIAs.[111] The Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol is a GSMA-defined standard for upgrading traditional SMS/MMS messaging with internet-protocol features like high-resolution media sharing, read receipts, typing indicators, and group chats.[112] It enables "rich media" in carrier networks, maintaining compatibility with legacy SMS while adding end-to-end encryption and interactive elements.[113] Google adopted RCS in 2019 by integrating it into its Messages app for Android, initially bypassing some carriers via its Jibe platform to promote universal rollout.[114] By 2025, carrier integrations have expanded globally, including Apple's iOS support, with over 1 billion daily RCS messages in key markets and enhanced business messaging capabilities.[113]rtf{\rtf1\ansi\b Hello}{\rtf1\ansi\b Hello}