ostentatious
[os-ten-tey-shuh s, -tuh n-]
- characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others: an ostentatious dresser.
- (of actions, manner, qualities exhibited, etc.) intended to attract notice: Lady Bountiful's ostentatious charity.
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Origin of ostentatious
Synonyms
See more synonyms for ostentatious on Thesaurus.com1. See grandiose.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for ostentatious
Contemporary Examples
And most of the contemporization sounds like what it is—an ostentatious, slightly ill-fitting suit slipped onto a stiff.
Michael Jackson’s Posthumous Album, ‘Xscape,’ Is a Confused, Shameless Money GrabAndrew Romano
May 13, 2014
An ostentatious display of Japanese military might could scuttle those negotiations.
Japan Prepares to Shoot North Korean Missiles Out of the SkyAngela Erika Kubo, Jake Adelstein
April 10, 2014
The extraordinary price for the ostentatious gown proves that fascination with Princes Diana remains as strong today as ever.
In the photo, the ostentatious monument is undercut (literally) by a temporary stall selling wares in its niche.
Charles Marville Captures the Rebirth of 1800s Paris in New ExhibitionWilliam O’Connor
November 13, 2013
They were not ostentatious as much as they were happy—in a grownup, made-peace-with-it-all way.
Historical Examples
"He just stopped me to say it's been the best year he ever had," she explained, with ostentatious vanity.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
“Force of personality,” he repeated, with ostentatious calm.
The Secret AgentJoseph Conrad
"You ain't eat a thing," said he, with an ostentatious kindliness.
Tiverton TalesAlice Brown
Miss Madden welcomed the diversion by rising with ostentatious vigour.
The Market-PlaceHarold Frederic
The process of conversion was, for decency's sake, protracted and ostentatious.
Henry IV, Makers of HistoryJohn S. C. Abbott
ostentatious
- characterized by pretentious, showy, or vulgar display
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for ostentatious
adj.
1701, from ostentation + -ous. Earlier in a similar sense were ostentative (c.1600); ostentive (1590s). Related: Ostentatiously; ostentatiousness (1650s).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper