WordGarden.iograndiose
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡrˈændɪˌəʊz/
US
- /ˈɡrændiˌoʊs/
Meanings
Adjective
impressively large, elaborate, or ambitious in scale or style
excessively grand, showy, or self-important in a pretentious way
in psychology, involving exaggerated beliefs about one's importance or abilities
Beyond the definition
If someone describes a plan as "grandiose," they mean it is very large, dramatic, or meant to impress—maybe more than it should be. Think of a king building a palace bigger than any other, or a child promising to build a spaceship out of cardboard boxes. It suggests ambition that may be unrealistic or excessive. A grandiose gesture is meant to impress, often with a lot of flair and expense.
The word comes from the Italian grandioso, meaning grand or magnificent. But it often carries a hint of pretension, like someone trying too hard to appear important. You might describe a politician's promises as grandiose if they seem impossible to keep, or a neighbor's holiday decorations as grandiose if they cover the entire yard in lights and inflatable figures.
"Grandiose" describes something impressively large in scale or scope, often suggesting extravagance, ambition, or even pretension. It's more than just "big"; it implies an attempt to overwhelm with size, richness, or importance. For example: "The architect's plans for the new museum were incredibly grandiose, featuring soaring domes and elaborate sculptures."
Originally meaning magnificent or grand (from Italian roots), grandiose has taken on a slightly negative connotation in modern usage. It often suggests that something is excessively showy, unrealistic, or impractical. A "grandiose scheme" might sound exciting at first, but it likely lacks the necessary planning or resources to succeed.
The word can also describe someone's behavior or mannerisms. A person with a grandiose personality might exaggerate their accomplishments, boast about their connections, and generally try to present themselves as more important than they are. This is often seen in psychology as a symptom of certain conditions, where individuals have an inflated sense of self-importance.
Think of the Palace of Versailles—undeniably grand, but also arguably excessive and built to showcase the power of the French monarchy. Or imagine someone promising to solve world hunger overnight; that's a grandiose claim!
So, whether describing architecture, plans, or personalities, grandiose points to something ambitious, impressive… and perhaps just a little bit over-the-top.
Examples
- 1
Public projects
The mayor announced grandiose plans for a new sports complex, but the city could not afford them.
- 2
Promises
He made grandiose promises about changing the whole industry in a year.
- 3
Speech style
The speech was full of grandiose language and almost no practical details.
- 4
Self-importance
She has a grandiose view of her own importance in the company.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Mental health
During the interview, the doctor asked whether he had grandiose beliefs about having special powers.
- Domain
in mental health, grandiose beliefs are unrealistically exaggerated beliefs about yourself
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- ambitious
- extravagant
- megalomaniacal
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- grandiose plans
- grandiose scheme
- grandiose claims
- grandiose vision
Word family
- grandiosity
- grandiosely
Explore
- hubris
- delusions of grandeur
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- grandioseadjective