pompous Hear it!

pompous Definition

pom·pous (pämpəs)

adjective

  1. Archaic full of pomp; stately
  2. characterized by exaggerated stateliness; pretentious, as in speech or manner; self-important

Etymology: ME < MFr pompeus < LL pomposus < L pompa: see pomp

pompous Related Forms

pom·pously adverb pom·pous·ness noun

pompous Synonyms

pompous

modif.

pompous Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • rather: All of which makes this sound a rather pompous session.
  • somewhat: The somewhat pompous permit seller showed me a map of infected Britain.
  • slightly: But not in a silly, slightly pompous, today's editorial in The Dail.. .
  • too: Above all, I hope I don't seem too pompous.
  • little: Primrose is kindly, naive and a little pompous.
  • very: The prince deserved better, although he was very pompous.

Adjective complement with noun phrase

sound: John Posted by: langley Feb 7 2006, 06:02 PM John That does sound a bit pompous!

Modifies a noun

  • ass: What picture does the phrase " pompous ass " spontaneously bring to your mind?
  • fool: What use to them this cerebral theology from an overweight, pompous fool?
  • politician: At least he was not being a stuck up, pompous politician.
  • speech: The only good thing about this is that we are spared a pompous speech by Richard about why he voted someone off.
  • style: They have them all bound in pocket volumes, as well as in a more pompous style.
  • man: Or what of this pompous little man in the White House who wants to create such a kerfuffle in Iraq?

Used with adjective complement

  • sound: However, I would not wish to sound pompous... .
  • consider: So.. if I get this right.. because someone has a decent education where they are actually knowledgeable on something, they are considered pompous.
  • get: At Derry, similar honors awaited us, and by the end of the day my Harriet had got quite pompous.
  • seem: Above all, I hope I don't seem too pompous.
  • appear: Are there any tips or guidelines that can be given on how to contribute without appearing pompous, a know-all, opinionated etc.
  • become: All too often it becomes pompous, with little meaning and purpose because it is largely incomprehensible to those who read it.

Preposition: in

grave: Man is a Noble Animal, splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave.

Browse dictionary entries near pompous

  1. pomposity
  2. pompon
  3. pompom
  4. Pompey
  5. Pompeii
  6. Pompano Beach
  7. pompano
  8. pompadour
  9. pomp
  10. Pomona
  1. pompously
  2. PON
  3. Ponca
  4. ponce
  5. Ponce de León
  6. Ponchielli
  7. poncho
  8. pond
  9. pond lily
  10. pond scum