Grandiloquently Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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grandiloquently

[หŒษกrandษชหˆlษ™kwษ™ntli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

speaking or expressed in a pompous or extravagant way

Speaking with grandiloquent language can often come across as pretentious and insincere. It is characterized by a high-sounding style with elaborate or bombastic language. Grandiloquently can be perceived as trying too hard to impress others.

Synonyms

bombastically, extravagantly, pompously, pretentiously.

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Word Description / Examples
grandiloquently

When someone speaks or writes in a way that is fancy and elaborate, often to impress others or to appear more important.

  • The politician spoke grandiloquently about his achievements, hoping to win over the crowd
pompously

Describes behavior that is self-important and grand, often irritating others due to the exaggerated sense of dignity or merit.

  • The manager pompously walked into the room, expecting everyone to stop what they were doing
bombastically

Used to describe speech or writing that is high-sounding but with little meaning; intended to impress people, often coming off as pompous and overblown.

  • The CEO's bombastic speech failed to address the core issues but was full of grand promises
extravagantly

When actions, spending, or behavior are done in an excessive and lavish manner, often implying a lack of restraint or prudence.

  • She decorated her house extravagantly for the party, sparing no expense
pretentiously

Used when someone pretends to be more important, cultured, or knowledgeable than they really are, often in a way that is annoying to others.

  • He spoke pretentiously about wines, even though he knew very little about them

Examples of usage

  • She grandiloquently announced her plans for world domination.
  • The politician grandiloquently promised to solve all the country's problems overnight.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In various films and books, characters who speak grandiloquently often portray arrogance or an overly dramatic personality.
  • Famous speeches, like those by Shakespearean characters, often showcase grandiloquence to emphasize emotion and importance.
  • Social media often reacts humorously against pompous language, making grandiloquent speech a target for satire.

Literature

  • Authors such as Charles Dickens utilized grandiloquent styles to create memorable characters and settings.
  • In poetry, grandiloquent language is used to evoke strong imagery and deep emotion.
  • Literary critiques sometimes focus on the use of grandiloquent adjectives to assess if they enhance or detract from a narrative.

Psychology

  • Using grandiloquent speech can affect how others perceive your intelligence and confidence, often positively.
  • It may also create a distance between the speaker and listeners, who could feel intimidated or excluded.
  • Research suggests that excessive grandiloquence can lead to distrust in communication, as people may see it as insincere.

Origin of 'grandiloquently'

Main points about word origin

  • The word derives from the Latin 'grandiloquus,' meaning 'speaking big,' combining 'grandis' (great) and 'loqui' (to speak).
  • It entered English in the late 1600s, showcasing a trend for ornate language during that time.
  • Similar terms have evolved in various languages, reflecting the cultural value placed on impressive speech.

The word 'grandiloquently' comes from the Latin word 'grandiloquus', which is a combination of 'grandis' meaning 'grand' and 'loqui' meaning 'speak'. It dates back to the 17th century and has been used to describe language that is lofty, extravagant, or pretentious. The use of grandiloquent speech was often associated with formal oratory and public speaking, where speakers aimed to impress their audience with eloquence and grandeur.


See also: grandiloquence, grandiloquent.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,829, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.