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Pompously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pompously

[หˆpษ’mpษ™sli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

spoken language

In a self-important or arrogant manner.

Synonyms

arrogantly, haughtily, pretentiously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pompously

This duplicate usage may refer back to the initial definition, emphasizing behavior that is overly self-important and ceremonious to the point of being showy.

  • The politician pompously delivered his speech, full of grand statements and exaggerated promises.
arrogantly

Used when someone exhibits an attitude of superiority and disrespect towards others, often showing a lack of empathy. It generally has a strong negative connotation.

  • She arrogantly dismissed the suggestions of her colleagues, believing she knew best.
  • His arrogant tone offended many people during the meeting.
haughtily

This word describes someone who looks down on others with disdain. It implies a sense of condescension and excessive pride. The tone is typically more about disdain than grandiosity.

  • She haughtily ignored the friendly greeting from her neighbor.
  • He looked haughtily at the waiter, as if serving him were beneath his dignity.
pretentiously

Refers to someone trying to appear more important or knowledgeable than they really are, often through affected or exaggerated means. It has a distinctly negative implication of insincerity.

  • He acted pretentiously, dropping names of famous people he had only briefly met.
  • The restaurant was decorated pretentiously, trying too hard to seem upscale and exclusive.

Examples of usage

  • He spoke pompously, as if he were the most important person in the room.
  • She strutted around pompously, acting as if she owned the place.
Context #2 | Adverb

formal writing

In a showy or ostentatious manner.

Synonyms

flamboyantly, grandiosely, ostentatiously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pompously

This word is used when someone is behaving in a self-important and arrogant manner, typically making a big show of their perceived importance. It often has a negative connotation.

  • He walked around the office pompously, acting as if he owned the place.
  • She spoke pompously about her achievements, making everyone feel uncomfortable.
ostentatiously

This word is used when someone is displaying wealth, knowledge, or qualities in a very obvious way meant to attract attention or admiration. It carries a negative connotation.

  • The CEO's ostentatious display of wealth included a flashy car and expensive suits.
  • She wore her diamond necklace ostentatiously, hoping to make everyone envious.
grandiosely

This word is used to describe something done in a greatly exaggerated or ambitious way, often giving a misleading sense of grandeur. It has a somewhat negative connotation.

  • He announced his grandiose plan to revolutionize the industry, though few took him seriously.
  • Her grandiosely decorated house was more about impressing guests than comfort.
flamboyantly

This word is used to describe a very confident and lively style or manner that attracts attention. It can be used in a neutral or positive context, depending on how it's perceived.

  • The artist dressed flamboyantly, with bright colors and extravagant accessories.
  • He performed the dance flamboyantly, captivating the audience with his energy.

Examples of usage

  • The interior of the castle was decorated pompously, with gold and velvet everywhere.
  • The ceremony was conducted pompously, with elaborate rituals and grand gestures.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Authors like Jane Austen often used such behavior as a critique of the upper class, showcasing characters who act pompously to highlight their flaws.
  • In Shakespeareโ€™s plays, characters who behave pompously often end up in humorous situations, illustrating the folly of excessive pride.
  • The literary device known as 'satire' frequently employs pompous characters to make deeper social critiques.

Psychology

  • Behaving pompously can be a defense mechanism for insecurity; people sometimes overcompensate by boasting.
  • Psychological studies have shown that individuals who are excessively self-important often struggle with low self-esteem.
  • Pompous behavior is often tied to narcissism, where individuals crave admiration and exaggerate their achievements.

Pop Culture

  • Characters in sitcoms like 'The Office' often exhibit pompous behaviors to create comedic moments, illustrating the humor in arrogance.
  • In many films, villains often appear pompous, using their inflated self-importance to highlight their eventual downfall.
  • Reality TV shows frequently showcase pompous individuals, using their behavior as a dramatic focal point for audience engagement.

Social Dynamics

  • Pompous behavior can lead to social alienation, as others might find it off-putting and disingenuous.
  • In business contexts, individuals who act pompously may struggle to build genuine relationships, affecting teamwork and collaboration.
  • Studies suggest that humility often fosters better interpersonal relationships, contrasting sharply with the effects of pompous conduct.

Origin of 'pompously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'pompa', meaning 'a procession' or 'display', hinting at its connection to showiness.
  • It entered the English language in the early 17th century, originally describing 'ostentatious' behavior.
  • The suffix '-ously' is used to form adverbs that indicate the manner of an action, showing that this behavior is done in a specific, boastful way.

The word 'pompously' is derived from the adjective 'pompous', which comes from the Old French word 'pompeux', meaning 'stately' or 'solemn'. The term has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe behavior or speech that is characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance or grandeur.

See also: pompousness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,730 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.