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 ostentatiously
Contemporary Examples
The consul was a keen golfer, so Cunningham ostentatiously visited the clubhouse with his clubs and an overnight bag.
Brotherhood cadres have been ostentatiously preparing "paramilitary" units, but they are really just street gangs.
Historical Examples
Then he ostentatiously returned the gun he was holding to its holster.
The Law-BreakersRidgwell Cullum
We took revolvers, holding them ostentatiously in our pockets.
They were ostentatiously solemnizing the obsequies of the departed monarch.
Henry IV, Makers of HistoryJohn S. C. Abbott
She was not merely regardless of it, but ostentatiously disdainful.
Schwartz: A HistoryDavid Christie Murray
The girl was now shunned, ostentatiously, carefully shunned.
Little Novels of ItalyMaurice Henry Hewlett
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 ostentatiously
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