pomposity

[ pom-pos-i-tee ]

noun

, plural pom·pos·i·ties

1. the quality of being pompous.
2. pompous parading of dignity or importance.
3. an instance of being pompous, as by ostentatious loftiness of language, manner, or behavior.

pomposity

/ pɒmˈpɒsɪtɪ /

noun

1. vain or ostentatious display of dignity or importance
2. the quality of being pompous
3. ostentatiously lofty style, language, etc
4. a pompous action, remark, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of pomposity¹

1400–50; late Middle English pomposite < Late Latin pompōsitās. See pompous, -ity

Example Sentences

The idea that jazz has become a catchword for pomposity is painful for those of us who care deeply about this music.

From The Daily Beast

This will be salutary, and will deflate some of the pomposity-born-of-precociousness that bedevils Obama.

From The Daily Beast

The inn-keeper at Valence amused us much by his empty pomposity.

From Project Gutenberg

He has lifted the only shield I cannot break, the shield of an impenetrable pomposity.

From Project Gutenberg

Horned heads, short-arched necks, and held-in chins abundantly told of pride and pomposity.

From Project Gutenberg

I would have expected perhaps a certain solemnity or even pomposity in the style of it; he had never a strong sense of humour.

From Project Gutenberg

In their lofty eminence of pomposity they are challenged only by Anglican bishops and grand opera tenors.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• pretension