These words mean "having an abundance of possessions," "amply supplied with funds, resources, or means," "of great value or worth": "This is a rich (or wealthy or affluent) country." Words related to these three are opulent, moneyed, and well-to-do. Rich, the most generally used of these terms, is more likely than the other two to suggest newly acquired possessions (nouveau riche) and is often used enviously or disparagingly: "That person is rich in worldly goods but poor in control of his own emotions." Wealthy implies a permanence or stability not suggested by rich and also is applicable to characteristics and personality traits: "He comes from an established family that is wealthy in material possessions and in concern for the needs of those less fortunate." Affluent, rarely used, applies to someone with a large income, usually an income spent freely: "She is an obviously affluent member of the international jet set."
Dictionary of problem words and expressions. Harry Shaw. 1975.