ostentation

Meaning

1. (uncountable, usually) Ambitious display; vain show; display intended to excite admiration or applause.
2. (obsolete, uncountable, usually) A show or spectacle.

Synonyms

show

pomp

display

affectation

pomposity

foppery

flash

pompousness

pretentiousness

showiness

fanfare

ostentatiousness

parade

vanity

pride

puffiness

pretension

swank

foppishness

boasting

inflation

splashiness

pretense

self-conceit

showing

showing off

show off

splurge

stylishness

superciliousness

vaunt

rhodomontade

ostent

arrogance

bluster

demonstration

disguise

exhibition

exhibitionism

expansivity

false pride

flamboyance

flaunting

frippery

garishness

gasconade

grandeur

grandiosity

imitation

limelight

Translations

ostentazione

ostentation

ostentación

επίδειξη

ostentació

Zurschaustellung

Schaustellung

praal

sfarzosità

Affektiertheit

Prahlerei

Gepränge

jactantia

vanità

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˌɒstənˈteɪʃən/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: ostentacioun

In summary

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.