ostentatious
oss-ten-TAY-shuhs
/ˌɒs.tenˈteɪ.ʃəs/
Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice.
Carries a strong negative connotation of tasteless showiness intended to brag about wealth or status.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'ostendere' (to stretch out before people, show off). Roman speakers used it for performers showing off skill, which later morphed into describing wealthy people showing off gold.
Word relationships
- flamboyant: Flamboyant can mean stylishly colorful without bad intent, while ostentatious strictly implies showy pretension.
- modest: Modest means humble and intentionally unassuming.
- understated: Understated describes high quality without loud or vulgar display.
Commonly confused with
- conspicuous: Conspicuous simply means clearly visible or noticeable, whereas ostentatious means intentionally showy to flaunt wealth.
Word family
- ostentation (noun): Pretentious and vulgar display.
- ostentatiously (adverb): In an ostentatious manner.
Collocations
- ostentatious display
- ostentatious wealth
- ostentatious lifestyle
- ostentatiously dressed
Example sentences
- "His ostentatious gold watch and diamond rings drew critical glances at the quiet charity dinner." Social Commentary
Memory hook
An AUSTERE person avoids luxury; an OSTENTATIOUS person shows off ALL of it. Stretching out wealth to show off.
When not to use
Do not use for subtle, understated elegance; ostentatious requires loud, unmistakable display.
Fun facts
- Sumptuary laws in ancient Rome explicitly banned ostentatious displays of purple clothing to control class envy.
Related words
Explore more words
opulent, pretentious, extravagant, conspicuous, pompous, vainglorious
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