OSTENTATION

ostentation

(noun) pretentious or showy or vulgar display

ostentation, ostentatiousness, pomposity, pompousness, pretentiousness, puffiness, splashiness, inflation

(noun) lack of elegance as a consequence of being pompous and puffed up with vanity

ostentation, fanfare, flash

(noun) a gaudy outward display

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

ostentation (usually uncountable, plural ostentations)

Ambitious display; vain show; display intended to excite admiration or applause.

(obsolete) A show or spectacle.

Synonyms

• parade

• pageantry

• show

• showiness

• pomp

• pompousness

• vaunting

• boasting

• See also arrogance

Source: Wiktionary

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Os`ten*ta"tion, n. Etym: [L. ostentatio: cf. F. ostentation.]

1. The act of ostentating or of making an ambitious display; unnecessary show; pretentious parade; -- usually in a detractive sense. "Much ostentation vain of fleshly arm." Milton. He knew that good and bountiful minds were sometimes inclined to ostentation. Atterbury.

2. A show or spectacle. [Obs.] Shak.

Syn.

– Parade; pageantry; show; pomp; pompousness; vaunting; boasting. See Parade.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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