magniloquent

American  

[mag-nil-uh-kwuhnt] / mægˈnɪl ə kwənt /

adjective

1. speaking or expressed in a lofty or grandiose style; pompous; bombastic; boastful.

---

magniloquent British  

/ mæɡˈnɪləkwənt /

adjective

1. (of speech) lofty in style; grandiloquent

---

Other Word Forms

• magniloquence
  noun
• magniloquently
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of magniloquent

1650–60; back formation from Latin magniloquentia elevated language, equivalent to magniloqu ( us ) speaking grandly ( magni- magni- + loqu ( ī ) to speak + -us adj. suffix) + -entia -ence

Explanation

If you want to impress people, you might try using magniloquent language. That is, fancy and flowery language. For instance, you could use the word magniloquent, which come to think of it, is a magniloquent word itself. Magniloquent may remind you of the word eloquent, which describes a way of speaking that is articulate, persuasive, and carefully chosen. Magniloquent shares the Latin root loqui, “speak,” with eloquent and also describes a way of speaking. However, magniloquent describes speech that sounds very intelligent and important, but may in fact have little substance. Another adjective that sounds similar and conveys the same meaning is grandiloquent. Other synonyms include bombastic, pompous, and highfalutin.

Example Sentences

Magniloquent, mag-nil′o-kwent, adj. speaking in a grand or pompous style: bombastic.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various