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Pomposity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pomposity

[pษ’mหˆpษ’sษชti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in formal settings

The quality of being pompous; self-importance. Pomposity often manifests itself through an exaggerated sense of one's own importance, grandiosity, or pretentiousness.

Synonyms

arrogance, pretentiousness, self-importance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pomposity

Used to describe someone who is overly self-important and acts in a grandiose manner, especially in formal settings.

  • His speech was full of pomposity, making it difficult for the audience to connect with his message.
  • The pomposity of the ceremony made it feel more like a theatrical performance than a genuine event.
self-importance

Used for individuals who have an exaggerated view of their own importance, often seen in their behavior and attitude towards others.

  • His self-importance was evident when he insisted on having the best office in the building.
  • Self-importance often leads people to believe that their time and opinions are worth more than others'.
arrogance

Used when someone has an inflated sense of their own abilities or importance and treats others in a dismissive or contemptuous manner.

  • Her arrogance made it hard for her colleagues to work with her, as she always thought she was the best.
  • The manager's arrogance led him to ignore valuable feedback from his team.
pretentiousness

Used to describe someone who tries to impress others by pretending to be more important or talented than they actually are. This word often carries a negative connotation.

  • The pretentiousness of his art reviews alienated a lot of readers.
  • She displayed pretentiousness by talking about her 'vast' knowledge of wine, even though she was just repeating things she had read online.

Examples of usage

  • He spoke with such pomposity that it was hard to take him seriously.
  • Her pomposity was evident in the way she carried herself at the formal event.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many authors, like Charles Dickens, used characters exhibiting pomposity to critique social norms and pretentious behavior.
  • Shakespeare often portrayed pompous characters to highlight flaws in society and human behavior, making them more relatable.

Psychology

  • Individuals displaying pomposity may be compensating for insecurities, trying to boost their self-image through exaggerated behaviors.
  • This self-important attitude can lead to social isolation, as people often find it off-putting.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV shows frequently showcase individuals with pomposity, providing drama through their inflated sense of self-worth.
  • Many comedies use pomposity for humor, depicting characters whose arrogance leads to humorous situations.

Society

  • Pomposity can manifest in various roles, including politics and business, where individuals assert dominance through grand displays.
  • In social gatherings, encounters with pompous behavior often lead to awkwardness or tension, as people navigate ego clashes.

Origin of 'pomposity'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'pompositas', meaning 'full of pomp', which is about showiness.
  • In English, it entered the language in the early 17th century, reflecting the growing emphasis on social status.

The word 'pomposity' originated from the Latin word 'pompa,' meaning 'pomp' or 'ceremony.' Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of self-importance or grandiosity. The term has been used in English language since the 17th century to describe individuals who exhibit an excessive sense of self-importance.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,008 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.