Pontificate: meaning, definitions and examples

express opinions

To pontificate means to express one's opinions in a dogmatic or pompous way. Often associated with authoritative figures, it implies a sense of superiority in one's viewpoint. This term can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, usually suggesting that the speaker is more concerned with proclaiming their own beliefs than engaging in a meaningful conversation. It can convey an air of condescension, as if the speaker assumes their thoughts are more valid than others'.

declaim, expound, harangue, lecturer, preach

Examples of usage

• He loves to pontificate about politics at dinner parties.

• The professor tended to pontificate during lectures, often losing the interest of his students.

• She pontificated on social issues without considering other viewpoints.