Pomposity

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Excessive display of self-importance or pretentious behavior marked by grandiose speech or manner
2. An attitude characterized by an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance expressed through affected or lofty behavior
3. The quality of acting with an inflated dignity or arrogance that aims to impress others unnecessarily

Etymology: Pomposity is a noun built from "pomp," which in Latin meant a solemn procession or display, and "-osity," a suffix that turns adjectives like "pompous" into abstract nouns. The Latin base was "pompa," borrowed from Greek "pompē," meaning a ceremonial procession, and the sense of "showy ceremony" carried over into English. Earlier English used the word in a neutral sense of solemnity rather than as a criticism. The word reached English through Middle English "pomposite," which came from the Latin "pompōsitās," a noun formed from "pompōsus," meaning full of display. Over time the solemnity implied by the Latin root gave way to a sense of vanity, so that a stately procession became a human trait: the habit of puffing oneself up with self-importance.

Synonyms: self-importance, arrogance

Antonyms: humility