adjective

pompous

/ˈpɒmpəs/ · say it: POM·pus

self-important and pretentious

In Personality & Character

In more detail

1. (adjective) behaving or speaking in a way that seems important or dignified, but is actually annoying or ridiculous

2. (adjective) grand or impressive in appearance, but often in an exaggerated way

Examples

1. His pompous speech about his achievements made everyone roll their eyes.
2. The pompous building with its enormous columns looked more like a museum than a house.

How to use pompous

Pompous describes behavior, speech, or appearance that appears grand or dignified but comes across as exaggerated, ridiculous, or affected. It carries a negative or mocking tone and is used to criticize someone for trying too hard to seem important or impressive. Unlike merely grandiose, pompous implies an element of self-awareness about how others perceive the affectation.

Common phrases

pompous speech
pompous manner
pompous attitude
sound pompous
pompous language

Synonyms

grandiose · pretentious · bombastic · self-important · ostentatious

Opposites

modest · humble · unassuming

Word family

pomposity (noun) · pompously (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use pompous to mean simply 'impressive' or 'grand' without the critical/negative connotation; it always carries disapproval.

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