Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Ostentatious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’Ž
Add to dictionary

ostentatious

[หŒษ’s.tenหˆteษช.สƒษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice

Synonyms

extravagant, flashy, gaudy, pretentious, showy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ostentatious

Use this when describing something that is designed to impress or attract attention in a way that is overly showy or pretentious.

  • Her ostentatious display of wealth made everyone uncomfortable.
  • The house was decorated in an ostentatious manner.
showy

Best used to describe something that is intended to be seen and attract attention but may not be in a negative sense.

  • The garden had showy flowers that attracted many visitors.
  • His showy performance was the highlight of the evening.
flashy

Appropriate for describing something that grabs attention with bright, eye-catching elements but may lack substance.

  • He wore a flashy suit to the event.
  • Her flashy jewelry drew everyone's eyes.
gaudy

This word is suitable for describing something that is excessively bright or showy, usually in a way that lacks good taste. Generally, it has a negative connotation.

  • The decorations were gaudy and overwhelming.
  • She wore a gaudy dress with too many colors.
extravagant

Best used when implying something is excessively costly, luxurious, or lacks restraint.

  • He threw an extravagant party for his birthday.
  • Their vacation was extravagant, featuring private jets and luxury hotels.
pretentious

Use this to describe someone or something that tries to appear more important or better than it really is. Often has a negative connotation.

  • The author's pretentious writing style alienated many readers.
  • He made pretentious claims about his artistic abilities.

Examples of usage

  • He was known for his ostentatious lifestyle, always driving expensive cars and wearing designer clothes.
  • The wedding reception was filled with ostentatious decorations and extravagant flower arrangements.
  • She refused to wear the ostentatious jewelry her mother-in-law gave her, preferring simple and understated pieces.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research suggests that ostentatious displays can be a way for individuals to signal their social status to others.
  • People may adopt ostentatious behaviors to boost their self-esteem, revealing a need for validation from peers.
  • In social settings, those with ostentatious traits might be perceived either positively as confident or negatively as insecure.

Fashion

  • Throughout history, fashion designers have often incorporated ostentatious elements to stand out in the competitive fashion industry.
  • The 'bling' culture in contemporary fashion reflects an ostentatious attitude, emphasizing lavish displays of wealth.
  • Historical royal courts were known for extravagant attire and accessories, showcasing ostentation as a means of power and influence.

Pop Culture

  • Ostentatious displays of wealth are frequently featured in music videos, often glamorizing a lavish lifestyle.
  • Characters in films and television shows often use ostentation to convey stereotypes of wealth or luxury, like in 'The Great Gatsby'.
  • In reality TV, ostentatious behavior is often dramatized to engage viewership, exemplifying the allure of wealth.

Art

  • Certain art movements, such as Baroque, are characterized by ostentatious decorations and elaborate designs meant to awe spectators.
  • Ostentatiousness in art often reflects cultural values, where excessive ornamentation can indicate wealth or power of patrons.
  • Contemporary artists use ostentation to critique societal norms surrounding materialism and excess.

Origin of 'ostentatious'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'ostentatious' comes from the Latin 'ostentare', which means 'to display' or 'to show'.
  • It first entered the English language in the late 15th century, initially describing someone's behavior of showing off.
  • Related words like 'ostentation' express similar themes of showiness, emphasizing a desire for attention.

The word 'ostentatious' originated from the Latin word 'ostentare', which means 'to display or show'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The concept of ostentation has been present throughout history, often associated with displays of wealth or status. In modern usage, 'ostentatious' is used to describe something that is showy or designed to attract attention in a flashy or pretentious way.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,619, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.