Words / C2

ost-en-TAYSHUN/ˌɒstenˈteɪʃn/

Ostentation is pretentious display intended to impress others: vulgar ostentation, a show of ostentation. Ostentatious (already in the dictionary) is the adjective. To show (already in the dictionary) is everyday letting someone see; a display (already in the dictionary) is a showing, and to flaunt (already in the dictionary) is to show off. Flamboyant and grandiose (already in the dictionary) are showy style, and over-ambitious hugeness. A gala is not a named warden.

Meaning

Pretentious display intended to impress others.

Examples

• “Ostentation at the gala is not a named fire warden.”
• “Ostentatious is the adjective (already in C2). To show is everyday (already in A1). A display is a showing (already in B1). To flaunt is to show off (already in C2). Flamboyant is showy and colourful (already in C1). Grandiose is showily huge (already in C2). Taste at a sitting can be exact. Taste instead of a rota is a hole. Write the name; leave the ice sculpture.”

Good to know

Showy display to impress. Adjective: ostentatious (already in C2). Everyday: show / display (already in this dictionary). Close: flaunt (already in C2); flamboyant / grandiose (already in this dictionary). A gala ≠ a warden.

Near in meaning

display, showiness, flamboyance, pageantry

New