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

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

When I was younger, it made me laugh if I heard someone with a clipped accent be pompous.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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