English Explanatory Dictionary

ostentation

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Ambitious display; vain show; display intended to excite admiration or applause.
  2. A show or spectacle.

Pronunciation

/ˌɒstənˈteɪʃən/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-ostentation.wav

Word forms

ostentation ostentations

Etymology

Originated 1425–75 from late Middle English ostentacioun, borrowed from Middle French ostentation and its etymon Latin ostentātiō, ostentātiōnem, equivalent to ostentātus (past participle of ostentāre, to display or exhibit), frequentative of ostendere (“to present, display”) + -iōn. By surface analysis, ostent + -ation.

Synonyms

parade pageantry show showiness pomp pompousness vaunting boasting

Related words

ostentatious ostensive ostensible

Derived words

nonostentation unostentation
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