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

Derived Forms

• ˈpompousness, noun
• ˈpompously, adverb

Other Words From

• pompous·ly adverb
• un·pompous adjective
• un·pompous·ly adverb
• un·pompous·ness 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

Laszlo is pompous, set in his ways, and singularly focused on sex and drinking blood.

From Salon

The only housemate who abstained from such contests is Laszlo Cravensworth, Matt Berry's comically pompous aristocrat who’d rather focus all his lust on his "lady wife" Nadja and other more noble hobbies.

From Salon

But that’s also Trump’s appeal: What looks to some like a weak man lashing out and whining to others looks like a tough guy putting one of those pompous reporters in their place.

From Salon

It’s comforting to think of ourselves that way, but more than a little pompous.

From Los Angeles Times

And, it is one of the last opportunities to finally beat that pompous, oftentimes unsportsmanlike, fellow sailor in your class.

From Salon

Related Words

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