Grandiose: meaning, definitions and examples

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grandiose

 

[ หˆษกrรฆndiหŒoสŠs ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

description

impressive or magnificent in appearance or style; especially pretentiously so

Synonyms

imposing, magnificent, majestic, ostentatious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grandiose

This word is often used to describe something that might seem impressive at first but is overly elaborate or pretentious. It sometimes has a negative connotation, implying that something is trying too hard to be grand.

  • The billionaire's grandiose plans for a private space station drew skepticism from experts
  • Her wedding was so grandiose that it felt more like a royal event than a personal ceremony
magnificent

This word is best used when you want to describe something that is exceptionally beautiful, elaborate, or impressive in a positive, admirable way.

  • The queen wore a magnificent gown adorned with jewels
  • The view from the top of the mountain was simply magnificent
imposing

Use this when describing something that is impressive in appearance or size, and can potentially inspire awe or fear.

  • The imposing skyscraper dominated the city's skyline
  • His imposing presence made everyone in the room go silent
majestic

Ideal for describing something with grandeur and beauty that inspires reverence or admiration.

  • The majestic mountains were a breathtaking sight
  • His majestic performance left the audience in awe
ostentatious

This word often has a negative connotation, suggesting that something is designed to impress or attract notice through vulgar or pretentious display.

  • Her ostentatious display of wealth made her unpopular among her coworkers
  • The mansion was decorate in a highly ostentatious manner, with gold fixtures and marble floors

Examples of usage

  • The grandiose ballroom was filled with crystal chandeliers and golden decorations.
  • His grandiose plan to build a skyscraper in the middle of the desert was met with skepticism.
  • She had a grandiose vision of creating a utopian society where everyone lived in harmony.
Context #2 | Adjective

psychology

characterized by grandiosity; having an exaggerated belief in one's own importance, power, or abilities

Synonyms

delusional, egotistical, exaggerated, self-important.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grandiose

Used to describe something that is impressively large or ambitious, often in a way that is meant to impress others. It can sometimes imply that the plans or ideas are unrealistic or over the top.

  • The architect's plans for the new museum were grandiose, with massive columns and ornate sculptures.
  • He had grandiose aspirations of becoming a world leader.
exaggerated

Used to describe something that is overstated or made to seem more important or severe than it really is. Exaggeration can be intentional or unintentional and is often used for effect.

  • He told an exaggerated story about his encounter with a bear in the woods.
  • The threat of the storm was exaggerated by the news reports.
delusional

Used to describe someone who believes in something that is not true or who has lost touch with reality. This term often carries a negative connotation.

  • She was delusional if she thought she could become a movie star without any acting experience.
  • His delusional thinking led him to believe that he could fly.
egotistical

Describes someone who is excessively conceited or absorbed in themselves. This term is often used in a negative context.

  • The CEO's egotistical behavior alienated many of his employees.
  • Her egotistical attitude made it difficult for her to form close friendships.
self-important

Used to describe someone who has an inflated sense of their own value or importance. This term usually has a negative connotation.

  • He strutted into the meeting with a self-important air, convinced that his ideas were the only ones worth considering.
  • Her self-important demeanor made her unpopular among her colleagues.

Examples of usage

  • The patient's grandiose delusions led him to believe he was a famous celebrity.
  • She displayed grandiose behavior, constantly boasting about her achievements.

Translations

Translations of the word "grandiose" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น grandioso

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคญเคตเฅเคฏ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช grandios

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ megah

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณั€ะฐะฝะดั–ะพะทะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wielki

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฃฎๅคงใช

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท grandiose

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ grandioso

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gรถrkemli

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์›…์žฅํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูุฎู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ velkolepรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ grandiรณzny

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฎไผŸ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ veliฤasten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ stรณrfenglegur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ าฏะปะบะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒ แƒแƒœแƒ“แƒ˜แƒแƒ–แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mรถhtษ™ลŸษ™m

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ grandioso

Etymology

The word 'grandiose' originates from the French word 'grandiose' meaning 'impressive, grand.' It first appeared in English in the early 18th century. The concept of grandiosity has been studied in psychology, particularly in relation to narcissistic personality traits. The term is often used to describe extravagant or exaggerated behavior or ideas.

See also: grand, grandad, granddad, grandeur, grandfather, grandly, grandma, grandmother, grandpa, grandparent.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,496, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.