adjective
pompous
POM-pus/ˈpɑːmpəs/
Exaggeratedly grand or formal in a way that suggests self-importance.
The pompous guest poses grandly on a small stool at the modest gathering.
Etymology
Pomp evokes a grand procession and its public display. Describing someone as full of such display turns outward grandeur into a criticism of exaggerated dignity and self-importance.
In context
constantly quoting my friend Governor C or my intimate friend the president is pompous and in bad taste
More examples
- His speech was pompous and dull.
- She disliked the pompous tone.
- The invitation sounded unnecessarily pompous.
Forms
pompous
pomposity noun — exaggerated grandness and self-importance
Similar words
- pretentious
- Emphasizes claims to importance or sophistication.
- grandiose
- Emphasizes exaggerated scale or ambition.