pompous
POM-pus
/ˈpɒm.pəs/
Affectedly grand, solemn, or self-important.
Refers to grand speech, bloated vocabulary, inflated titles, or ceremonial self-importance.
The story behind the word. Traces to Greek 'pompe' (a grand march or parade). Romans adopted 'pompa' for lavish religious processions. By the 14th century, English borrowed 'pompous' to describe people who act as if preceded by a ceremonial brass band.
Word relationships
- pretentious: Pretentious specifically affects intellectual or artistic superiority; pompous affects grand dignity and solemn importance.
- bombastic: Bombastic applies specifically to inflated, high-sounding language.
- unpretentious: Simple and straightforward without grand display.
- modest: Free from vanity or ostentation.
Commonly confused with
- pomp: Pomp is a neutral or positive ceremonial display (e.g., 'pomp and circumstance'); pompous is negative personal inflation.
Word family
- pompousness (noun): The quality of being pompous.
- pomposity (noun): Pompous behavior or language.
- pompously (adverb): In a pompous manner.
Collocations
- pompous ass
- pompous speech
- pompous rhetoric
- pompous title
Idioms & expressions
- full of hot air
- puffed up
Example sentences
- "The mayor gave a pompous speech full of grand vocabulary that failed to address the city's urgent budget crisis." Public speech critique
- "Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society... all which had given him a strong turn to pompous humility." Literary citation
Memory hook
POMPOUS speech is full of POMP and circumstance for no good reason. Grand speeches, bloated pride.
When not to use
Do not use for quiet individual vanity or hidden insecurity.
Fun facts
- In Shakespeare's time, 'pompous' could still be used as a compliment meaning 'magnificent' or 'splendid'.
Related words
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