Bombast: meaning, definitions and examples

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bombast

[ˈbɒmbæst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

speech

high-sounding language with little meaning, used to impress people

Synonyms

grandiloquence, pompousness, rhetoric.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bombast	Used formally to describe speech or writing that is meant to sound important or impressive but is not sincere or meaningful. The politician's speech was full of bombast, promising the impossible
pompousness	Typically used to describe a person who acts in a self-important, arrogant, or ostentatious manner. It has a negative connotation. His pompousness was evident when he interrupted everyone to tell them how to do their jobs
grandiloquence	Often used in a literary or rhetorical context to denote a lofty, extravagantly colorful, pompous, or bombastic style, manner, or quality, especially in language. It can imply a sense of exaggeration. Her grandiloquence during the award ceremony made her seem out of touch with reality
rhetoric	Applied broadly to the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing. It is neutral by itself but can have negative connotations when referring to language that is insincere or misleading. The senator’s rhetoric during the debate was aimed at appealing to emotions rather than presenting concrete facts

Examples of usage

His bombast may have fooled some, but not me.
She dismissed his bombast as mere posturing.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

literature

inflated or extravagant language, especially in a dramatic work

Synonyms

exaggeration, grandiosity, hyperbole.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bombast	Used when referring to language that is overly complex and inflated to impress others, often without much substance. The politician's speech was full of bombast, but it lacked real solutions. His bombast during the presentation made it difficult to understand the main points.
grandiosity	Used to describe behavior or language that shows an unrealistic sense of superiority and self-importance. Often has a slightly negative connotation. Her grandiosity made her difficult to work with because she always thought she knew best. The grandiosity of the event was meant to impress, but many found it over the top.
exaggeration	Used in everyday situations where something is described as more important or serious than it actually is, not necessarily with negative connotations. Saying she has a million shoes is a bit of an exaggeration. His claim that he could lift 200 pounds was an exaggeration.
hyperbole	Typically used in informal or literary contexts to indicate deliberate and obvious exaggeration for effect or humor. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse is a common hyperbole. He used hyperbole to make his stories more entertaining.

Examples of usage

The play was criticized for its bombast and lack of subtlety.
The poet's bombast overshadowed the true beauty of his words.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from Middle English 'bombast,' which referred to cotton stuffing used in clothing, reflecting something that was puffy or inflated.
It evolved to describe language that is inflated and pompous, similar to how the stuffing made clothes look fuller.
The word also ties back to the Latin word 'bombax,' meaning cotton, emphasizing the sense of being overly stuffed or exaggerated.

Literature

In many classic literary works, characters who use bombastic language often come off as pretentious or insincere.
Some famous authors, like Shakespeare, cleverly employed this style to satirize characters who were overly dramatic.
Modern poetry often critiques bombast by stripping language down to create more impactful, simple expressions.

Communication

In speeches, bombastic language can alienate listeners who prefer clarity and straightforwardness.
Political figures sometimes use bombast to convey strength, but it can backfire if perceived as empty rhetoric.
Effective communication often favors simplicity over complexity, highlighting how bombast can hinder genuine connection.

Pop Culture

Many TV shows and movies parody bombastic characters, showcasing their over-the-top language for comedic effect.
Influential characters, like certain superheroes or politicians, may use bombast to assert dominance without substantial actions.
Social media often amplifies bombast, allowing users to present extravagant personas that may not reflect reality.

Psychology

Studies suggest that people using bombastic language may be trying to impress or cover feelings of insecurity.
Listeners may subconsciously distrust individuals who overuse complex vocabulary, associating simplicity with honesty.
Cognitive biases can lead people to equate elaborate speech with intelligence, even if the content lacks substance.

Translations

Translations of the word "bombast" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pomposidade

🇮🇳 शेख़ी

🇩🇪 Schwulst

🇮🇩 kesombongan

🇺🇦 пишномовність

🇵🇱 pompatyczność

🇯🇵 誇張

🇫🇷 grandiloquence

🇪🇸 pomposidad

🇹🇷 abartılı konuşma

🇰🇷 과장된 말

🇸🇦 طنطنة

🇨🇿 bombastičnost

🇸🇰 bombastičnosť

🇨🇳 夸张

🇸🇮 pompoznost

🇮🇸 bombur

🇰🇿 даңғаза

🇬🇪 პომპეზურობა

🇦🇿 böyüklük

🇲🇽 pomposidad

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,268, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
29265 botched
29266 sequester
29267 toxicant
29268 bombast
29269 novitiate
29270 dehumanizing
29271 enchantments
...