Ostentatious

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌɒs.tɛnˈteɪ.ʃəs/

Definitions

1. Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display designed to impress or attract notice
2. Marked by a conspicuous and often extravagant display intended to draw attention or admiration, this term also encapsulates a style that flaunts wealth or social status
3. Having a flamboyant or grandiose style meant to catch the eye and impress others

Etymology: Ostentatious traces back to Latin "ostentare", a frequentative of "ostendere", meaning "to show, display, or hold out to view." The Latin past participle "ostentatus" carried that sense of having been put on display, and English took it up around 1590 and added the adjectival suffix "-ious," which means "full of" or "characterized by," as in "ambitious" or "gracious." The result describes someone or something full of display. Notice that the Latin base is neutral. "Ostendere" could describe simply showing something, with no judgement attached, and the disapproving flavour of the English word grew from the idea of showing off more than is needed. The same root gives us "ostensible," meaning apparent or outwardly claimed, a close cousin whose sense shifted in a similarly quiet way.

Synonyms: showy, pretentious, extravagant, flamboyant

Antonyms: modest, simple, unpretentious