bombastic
UK: bɒmˈbæstɪk | US: bɑːmˈbæstɪk
adj. 1. (of speech or writing) pompous or inflated in style; overly elaborate to impress others.
adj. 2. (archaic) relating to or resembling cotton padding (historical usage).
bombastic = bombast<cotton padding/inflated speech> + ic<adjective suffix>
- bombast: Originally referred to cotton padding used for stuffing garments (16th century). Derived from Old French bombace (cotton), via Latin bombax (cotton), from Greek bombux (silk or cotton). Over time, it metaphorically shifted to describe speech that is "padded" or overly inflated.
- ic: Adjective-forming suffix from Latin -icus, indicating "pertaining to."
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to the material bombast (cotton stuffing), which symbolized empty volume. By the 1580s, it evolved to describe language that is artificially inflated—much like cotton padding fills out clothing without adding substance. The shift reflects a vivid metaphor for verbose, pretentious communication.
The politician’s bombastic speech failed to address concrete issues.
Critics dismissed the novel as bombastic and devoid of real insight.
His bombastic tone made the simple announcement sound grandiose.
Avoid bombastic language in academic writing; clarity is preferred.
The actor’s bombastic delivery overshadowed the play’s subtle themes.