ostentatious

[ os-ten-tey-shuh s, -tuh n- ]
/ ˌɒs tɛnˈteɪ ʃəs, -tən- /

adjective

characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others: an ostentatious dresser.
(of actions, manner, qualities exhibited, etc.) intended to attract notice: Lady Bountiful's ostentatious charity.

Origin of ostentatious

First recorded in 1650–60; ostentat(ion) + -ious

OTHER WORDS FROM ostentatious

os·ten·ta·tious·ly, adverb os·ten·ta·tious·ness, noun un·os·ten·ta·tious, adjective un·os·ten·ta·tious·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for ostentatiousness

  • Ostentatiousness had, I am afraid, more to do with it than love of art for art's sake.

  • But it would be a great mistake to infer that this ostentatiousness of authority concealed real servility.

    Swift |Leslie Stephen

British Dictionary definitions for ostentatiousness

ostentatious
/ (ˌɒstɛnˈteɪʃəs) /

adjective

characterized by pretentious, showy, or vulgar display

Derived forms of ostentatious

ostentatiously, adverb