Word: ostentatious

Associations

'Ostentatious' describes something that is showy and meant to attract attention, often in a way that seems excessive or overly extravagant.

• Example 1: "Her ostentatious diamond necklace caught everyone's eye at the party." This shows that her necklace was not only beautiful but also very flashy and meant to impress others.
• Example 2: "The hotel's ostentatious decor felt more like a movie set than a place to stay." Here, 'ostentatious' emphasizes the extravagant and lavish design of the hotel.
• Example 3: "He drove an ostentatious sports car to show off his wealth." This suggests that the car is flashy and designed to attract attention because of its expensive nature.

A well-known synonym for 'ostentatious' is 'pretentious.' While both words suggest an attempt to impress others, 'pretentious' often implies a sense of superiority or arrogance, while 'ostentatious' focuses more on the visual display and extravagance.

Substitution

You could also use words like 'showy,' 'flamboyant,' or 'extravagant' instead of 'ostentatious.'

• 'Showy' is a little more general and does not always imply excess, whereas 'ostentatious' specifically carries the idea of trying to showcase wealth.
• 'Flamboyant' suggests vibrant colors and an outwardly dramatic style.
• 'Extravagant' can imply spending more than is necessary, often in a way that seems wasteful.

Deconstruction

The word 'ostentatious' comes from the Latin root 'ostentare,' meaning "to exhibit" or "to show." It consists of:

• The prefix "os-" which can suggest an intense action.
• The root "tent," related to holding or stretching out.
• The suffix "-ious," which indicates possessing a quality. This construction leads to the meaning of something being shown or stretched out for display.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a moment when you saw something ostentatious? What caught your attention?
• How do you feel about ostentatious displays of wealth? Do they impress you or put you off?
• Can you think of a time when you or someone you know may have acted ostentatiously? What was the situation?