Pretentiousness: meaning, definitions and examples

This word fits situations where someone tries to appear more important, skilled, or cultured than they really are. It often involves putting on airs and can be pretended sophistication.

• His pretentiousness was evident when he insisted on discussing obscure philosophies he barely understood

Snobbery is best used when referring to attitudes or behaviors where someone believes they are superior because they belong to a different social or cultural group.

• His snobbery was apparent when he refused to dine at any restaurant that wasn't Michelin-starred

Use in contexts where someone has an inflated sense of their own importance or abilities. This behavior often involves looking down on others and feeling superior.

• Her arrogance made it difficult for others to work with her, as she never admitted her mistakes

Describes a claim or aspiration to something, often unwarranted or exaggerated. It can involve putting on airs but doesn't necessarily have to be about personal behavior.

• Her pretension to being an art expert was laughable, as she couldn't tell a Monet from a Picasso

This word describes behavior that is disdainfully proud and feels scorn toward others. It often involves a sense of aloofness and superiority.

• His haughtiness was clear when he refused to speak to anyone he considered beneath him

When someone tries to appear more important, talented, or cultured than they actually are, often to impress others.

• His pretentiousness was evident in the way he spoke about art and literature.
• She couldn't stand the pretentiousness of the party guests.

Used when describing a person's artificial behavior or mannerisms, often adopted to make an impression.

• His affectedness in speaking with a fake British accent was off-putting.
• The affectedness in her laugh made it clear she was not genuinely amused.

Commonly used in the phrase 'putting on airs,' referring to someone acting superior or haughty, often without justification.

• She’s always putting on airs, as if her family were royalty.
• Stop putting on airs; we're all equals here.

Describes a showy display of wealth, status, or power, typically aimed at attracting attention or admiration.

• His ostentation was evident in the expensive cars and clothes he flaunted.
• The party was an exercise in pure ostentation and excess.

Refers to an exaggerated sense of one’s importance, power, or abilities, often in a delusional or narcissistic manner.

• His grandiosity made him think he could solve any problem on his own.
• The grandiosity of her plans was not matched by her resources.