WordGarden.iopomposity
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pəmpˈɒsɪti/
US
- /ˌpɑmˈpɑsɪti/
Meanings
Noun
annoying self-important grandness in manner, speech, or style
Beyond the definition
Imagine someone talking about their accomplishments constantly, exaggerating details, and acting as if they're far more important than everyone else. That's pomposity in action! It's not just confidence; it's an excessive belief in one's own importance, often displayed through boastful or pretentious behavior. You might encounter pomposity in politicians giving speeches, characters in novels trying to impress others, or even a neighbor bragging about their garden. While some self-assurance is healthy, pomposity crosses the line into annoying and off-putting arrogance. Think of a balloon inflated with too much air—it looks impressive at first, but feels fragile and likely to burst.
Pomposity refers to behaving in a way that shows excessive pride in oneself or one's accomplishments—often to an irritating degree. It's more than just being proud; it's about displaying that pride in a showy, self-important manner. The word comes from the Latin "pompa," meaning parade or procession—suggesting someone is putting on a grand display of their own importance.
Pomposity isn't necessarily tied to actual achievement. Someone can be pompous even if they haven't accomplished much, simply by acting as though they are superior. It often manifests in inflated language, condescending tones, and a tendency to dominate conversations. You might describe a politician's speech as "filled with pomposity" if it's full of empty rhetoric and self-aggrandizement.
While confidence is generally admired, pomposity is usually met with disdain or amusement. It suggests insecurity masked by arrogance. Charles Dickens was particularly adept at portraying pompous characters in his novels—think of Mr. Bumble from Oliver Twist, a man who believes himself to be incredibly important despite being a rather insignificant figure.
So, if you encounter someone who seems overly impressed with themselves and enjoys flaunting their (real or imagined) importance, you're likely witnessing pomposity—a display of self-importance that often rings hollow.
Examples
- 1
Public speech
The mayor's speech had a pomposity that made even a simple announcement sound grand.
- 2
Serious writing
She writes about serious ideas without pomposity.
- 3
Academic tone
The professor spoke with an air of pomposity, as if every sentence were a final judgment.
- Phrasean air of pomposity
a way of seeming too important or formal
- 4
Ceremony
A few jokes helped puncture the pomposity of the ceremony.
- Patternpuncture the pomposity of + event/situation
make something overly serious seem less impressive
See also
Similar
- pompousness
- pretentiousness
- self-importance
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- intellectual pomposity
- empty pomposity
- a tone of pomposity
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pompositynoun
Forms
- pompositiespluralnoun