grandiloquence

American  

[gran-dil-uh-kwuhns] / grænˈdɪl ə kwəns /

noun

1. speech that is lofty in tone, often to the point of being pompous or bombastic.

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Etymology

Origin of grandiloquence

1580–90; < Latin grandiloqu ( us ) speaking loftily ( grandi ( s ) great + -loquus speaking) + -ence

Explanation

Grandiloquence is a lofty, high-flown style of talking that has a lot of fluff but may lack substance. It’s too grand to be eloquent, so grandiloquence is usually annoying. Grandiloquence comes from the Latin word grandis for, yes, “grand” and loqui for “speak.”Grandiloquence is also related to loquacious (talkative), soliloquy (a solo speech), and other words about talk. Grandiloquence is a type of talk that is pompous and bombastic, full of pretty-sounding words and elegant turns of phrase that add up to nothing. Politicians who say nothing but make it sound important are masters of grandiloquence.

Example Sentences

“Authentic Presence” manages to feel weighty while also ephemeral, grand without grandiloquence, understated in its execution yet unafraid of dramatic gesture.

From New York Times • Jun. 9, 2022

His often hilarious struggles are related by Big’s little brother, Meed — short for “Medium Big” — with a marvelously rough-hewn quality that is perfectly captured through the halting grandiloquence of Feodor Chin’s inspired narration.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 8, 2021

The First makes no mention of international competition and avoids Kennedy-esque grandiloquence about needing to protect space from communism or weapons, perhaps because that would make for an easier sell.

From Slate • Sep. 14, 2018

Like almost everything about the Academy Awards, it rewards tragedy rather than comedy, and grandiloquence rather than subtlety, so there is something operatic in lining up a five-part fantasy league of the best actress winners.

From The Guardian • Feb. 14, 2018

With a certain dramatic grandiloquence, he slurped the oyster into his mouth.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy