Grandiloquent

Grandiloquent

ɡranˈdiləkw(ə)nt

Adjective

  • Pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner, especially in a way that is intended to impress.

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Example Sentences

“The speech, while intended to be motivational, came across as grandiloquent with too many pretentious words and phrases.”

“Instead of receiving the award humbly, she didn’t thank anyone in her grandiloquent acceptance speech.”

“Her daily uniform of a tailored suit, designer shoes, and perfectly done hair and makeup earned her a grandiloquent reputation.”

Word Origin

Latin, late 16th century

Why this word?

Grandiloquent, from the Latin words for “grand” (“grandis”) and “speak” (“landis”), can have a negative connotation of someone coming across as pompous in their speech. But “The New York Times” recently devoted a language column to the category of grandiloquent words (such as “inveigle,” “bamboozle,” and “flummox” — all fanciful synonyms for “trickery”), and described them as “delightful colloquialisms mostly from the 19th century.”

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ˈzīˌmərjē