ostentation
UK: ˌɒs.tenˈteɪ.ʃən | US: ˌɑː.stenˈteɪ.ʃən
n. excessive display meant to impress others; pretentious or showy behavior.
ostentation = ostent<display> + ation<noun suffix>
- ostent (from Latin ostentare, meaning "to display" or "to show off")
- ation (a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or state, from Latin -atio)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin ostentatio, derived from ostentare (frequentative of ostendere, "to show"). The root ostendere combines ob- ("toward") + tendere ("to stretch"), metaphorically implying "stretching something out for others to see." Over time, ostentation evolved to emphasize excessive or boastful displays, reflecting societal critiques of vanity.
His gold watch and designer suits were pure ostentation.
The palace’s decor was criticized for its vulgar ostentation.
She avoided ostentation, preferring simplicity in her lifestyle.
The billionaire’s party was an exercise in lavish ostentation.
True elegance lies in subtlety, not ostentation.