Ostentatious
/ˌɑːstənˈteɪʃəs/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Ostentatious describes something or someone that tries to attract attention by being very noticeable, often in a way that seems too much or not natural. It usually means showing wealth, success, or beauty in a way that is meant to impress others.
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See It in Action
Describing behavior or style that is showy to attract attention
- •She wore an ostentatious diamond necklace to the party.
- •His ostentatious display of wealth made some people uncomfortable.
- •The house was decorated in an ostentatious way, with bright colors and gold furniture.
Describing actions or objects meant to impress others by being very noticeable
- •The car's ostentatious design was meant to turn heads on the street.
- •He made an ostentatious entrance, arriving with many bodyguards.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "ostentatious" like "showy" (an easier word), but much stronger—like trying very hard to be seen and admired
- ✓Picture a person wearing very bright, shiny clothes with big jewelry that sparkles a lot in the sun
- ✓It's the feeling when someone talks loudly about their expensive car or house to make others notice
- ✓Sounds like "oh-STEN-tay-shus" → imagine someone standing on a stage saying "Look at me!" very loudly and proudly
- ✓Think of a movie character who always dresses in gold and talks about their money to everyone
- ✓NOT like "simple" or "quiet"—ostentatious is loud and meant to be noticed
- ✓NOT like "modest" (quiet about achievements)—ostentatious is the opposite, showing off openly
- ✓NOT like "elegant" (beautiful but calm)—ostentatious is more about loudness and attention than quiet beauty
Try Other Words
- •Flashy: very bright or expensive-looking to attract attention (Use when the focus is on bright or expensive appearance)
- •Pretentious: trying to seem more important or better than you are (Use when showing off seems fake or false)
- •Loud: very noticeable or too bright (Use when something is very bright or noisy in style)
- •Extravagant: very large or expensive, more than needed (Use when showing off money or things in a big way)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "ostentat-" (from Latin ostentare, meaning "to show") + suffix "-ious" (makes adjective)
- •Etymology: From Latin "ostentatio," meaning a show or display meant to impress
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 1600s to describe people or things that show off in a proud or loud way
- •Modern usage: Used to describe anything that is too bright, loud, or proud to attract attention, often with a negative feeling of being too much
Reflect & Connect
•When can being ostentatious be a good thing, and when can it be a problem?
•How do you feel when you see someone acting ostentatiously? Does it change depending on the situation?
Fill in the blanks
1.She wore an ostentatious dress ___ with bright colors and shiny beads to make sure everyone noticed her.
2.His ostentatious behavior was ___ by his need to feel important in front of others.
3.Unlike simple clothes, ostentatious outfits are made to ___ attention loudly and clearly.
4.When he arrived at the event, his ostentatious entrance with many cars and guards ___ everyone's eyes.
5.People often use ostentatious things to ___ their wealth or success.
6.The room was decorated in an ostentatious style, ___ with gold and bright lights.
7.If someone is modest, they usually do ___ act ostentatiously to show off.