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

This year, the show has even resurrected Eliot Ness, seen making a pompous speech to reporters about bringing Capone to justice.

From The Daily Beast

The dialogue is pure McCarthy as well: clipped, resonant, near-Biblical—and somewhat pompous.

From The Daily Beast

Is it pompous to wonder why, as a working journalist, Wikipedia affords the other guy that title?

From The Daily Beast

But he still has the cojones to speak his mind: Thomas Freidman is a ‘pompous ass.’

From The Daily Beast

Man is a Noble Animal,” Browne wrote, “splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave.

From The Daily Beast

Subsequent facts, however, proved these pompous vows to be merely a figure of speech.

From Project Gutenberg

On the contrary, Mr. Ducksmith loved to talk—in a dismal, pompous way—chiefly of British politics.

From Project Gutenberg

The opportunity came presently, for Lady Merehaven was called away, leaving a pompous old diplomat to wait on the queen.

From Project Gutenberg

She felt almost pompous with the sense of playing her part in a great event, fancied herself, perhaps, its central figure.

From Project Gutenberg

A handsome soldier on a restive bay mare came next, and behind him a huge touring car with a pompous black chauffeur.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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