Bombastic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bombastic

[bɒmˈbæstɪk ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

language

High-sounding but with little meaning; inflated. Characterized by high-sounding language; full of long words without much substance.

Synonyms

grandiloquent, overblown, pompous, pretentious, verbose.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bombastic	Used to describe speech or writing that is high-sounding but with little meaning, often to impress others. His bombastic speech left the audience more confused than informed The politician’s bombastic promises were hardly believable
pompous	Used to describe someone who is self-important and arrogant, often in their speech or manner. This term is negative. The pompous professor talked down to his students His pompous attitude made him hard to work with
grandiloquent	Used in formal or literary contexts to describe a lofty, extravagant style of speaking or writing. The author's grandiloquent prose was beautiful but difficult to understand He made a grandiloquent speech full of big words and complex sentences
verbose	Used to describe speech or writing that uses more words than necessary. It often has a negative connotation, implying a lack of clarity. His verbose explanation confused everyone The document was too verbose and difficult to read
pretentious	Used to describe someone or something trying to appear more important or intelligent than they actually are, often in a way that others find annoying. The restaurant's pretentious menu was filled with overly fancy dishes She found his pretentious comments to be quite off-putting
overblown	Used to describe something, often speech or writing, that is exaggerated and lacking in substance. It can have a negative connotation. The movie had an overblown plot that was hard to follow Her overblown praise seemed insincere

Examples of usage

He delivered a bombastic speech full of empty promises.
The politician's bombastic rhetoric failed to impress the audience.
His bombastic style of writing made it difficult for readers to understand his point.
The critic described the film as bombastic and lacking in depth.
The bombastic nature of the advertisement turned off many potential customers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

In literature, bombastic language is often criticized for being showy and lacking in genuine meaning.
Famous authors like Mark Twain have mocked bombastic styles in their works, showcasing the contrast between substance and style.
Shakespeare sometimes employed bombastic characters to emphasize their foolishness, highlighting how extravagant language can obscure reality.

Pop Culture

Some contemporary politicians are known for their bombastic speech patterns, using grand language to influence public opinion.
In film and music, bombastic expressions often characterize characters like over-the-top villains or braggadocious rappers.
Social media has become a breeding ground for bombastic statements, with influencers often using flashy language to garner attention.

Psychology

Research indicates that using bombastic language can sometimes lead to perceptions of intelligence, even if the content is lacking.
People may use bombastic language as a defense mechanism to mask insecurity or lack of confidence in their ideas.
Overly elaborate language can create barriers in communication, making it difficult for audiences to connect with the speaker's true message.

Rhetoric

Bombastic rhetoric often relies on emotional appeals rather than logical arguments, which can sway opinions dramatically.
It can be a tool in persuasive speaking, but too much bombast can alienate audiences seeking clarity and honesty.
Satirical speeches utilize bombastic language to critique those in power, illustrating the emptiness of their words.

Origin of 'bombastic'

Main points about word origin

The term 'bombastic' comes from the Middle English word 'bombast', referring to a type of padding used in garments.
Originally, 'bombast' meant cotton or a fabric to stuff things, which metaphorically relates to filling language with fluff.
In the 19th century, the use of 'bombastic' evolved to describe speech or writing that was overly grand or pretentious.

The word 'bombastic' originates from the mid 17th century, from the Latin 'bombasticus', meaning 'cotton-like'. It was originally used to describe a type of cloth, and later evolved to describe language that was inflated or pompous. Over time, it came to be associated with grandiose speech or writing that lacks substance.

See also: bomb, bombast, bomber, bombing, bombs, bombshell.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,172, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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29169 eclipsing
29170 nanosecond
29171 reorient
29172 bombastic
29173 solidus
29174 flouted
29175 micronutrients
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