high-flown

[ hahy-flohn ]

adjective

1. extravagant in aims, pretensions, etc.
2. pretentiously lofty; bombastic:

   We couldn't endure his high-flown oratory.

   Synonyms: grandiloquent, magniloquent, flowery, florid

high-flown

adjective

1. extravagant or pretentious in conception or intention

   high-flown ideas

Word History and Origins

Origin of high-flown¹

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

Best line: “No amount of straining for high-flown uplift can disguise the fact that The Goldfinch is a turkey.”

From The Daily Beast

The guy was a state senator from Illinois, not exactly a high-flown position.

From The Daily Beast

Something between an earthly Queen and a divine Egeria; "Serena" he calls her; and, in his high-flown fashion, is very laudatory.

From Project Gutenberg

Toland's admiration, deducting the high-flown temper and manner of the man, is sincere and great.

From Project Gutenberg

But they are lost among long and high-flown speeches, which Lear keeps incessantly uttering quite inappropriately.

From Project Gutenberg

History is too often written in a high-flown manner that renders it wearisome and false.

From Project Gutenberg

This is no high-flown sentimentality, but a simple reflection, which I find useful to me every day.

From Project Gutenberg