pompous

[pom-puhs]

adjective

1. characterized by an ostentatious display of dignity or importance.

   a pompous minor official.

   Synonyms: pretentious

2. ostentatiously lofty or high-flown.

   a pompous speech.

   Synonyms: bombastic, turgid, inflated

3. Archaic.,  characterized by pomp, or a display of stately splendor or magnificence.

   an impressive and pompous funeral.

pompous

/ ˈpɒmpəs /

adjective

1. exaggeratedly or ostentatiously dignified or self-important

2. ostentatiously lofty in style

   a pompous speech

3. rare,  characterized by ceremonial pomp or splendour

Other Word Forms

• pompously adverb
• unpompous adjective
• unpompously adverb
• unpompousness noun
• pompousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pompous¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English word from Late Latin word pompōsus. See pomp, -ous

Example Sentences

His most “persistent hater,” the pompous moralist Cato the Censor, railed at Scipio’s unseemly pride and alleged corruption.

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Dramatically, however, “Sirāt” is at once haphazard and pompous, stalling on its central mystery and throwing in a few flashes of distracting calamity.

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So I just quoted them being completely pompous.

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The mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap” parodied pompous rock musicians to great effect.

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But pompous Henrich and Victor don’t appreciate that their accomplishments are built on other’s sacrifices.

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Related Words

• boastful 
• bombastic 
• grandiose 
• imperious 
• overbearing 
• presumptuous 
• pretentious 
• self-centered 
• self-important 
• selfish