pompous etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: pompare (to pump, swell)
  • French: pompous (inflated, full of self-importance)

Meaning:

  • Having or displaying exaggerated self-importance or dignity; inflated with pride
  • Pretentious, ostentatious, or exaggerated in style or appearance

Origin:

The word "pompous" originated from the Latin verb "pompare," meaning "to pump" or "to swell." This sense of inflation or swelling was transferred to a figurative sense, referring to someone who is inflated with pride or self-importance.

The French word "pompeux" (inflated, full of self-importance) is derived from the same Latin root "pompare." The English word "pompous" was borrowed from French in the 16th century.

Usage:

The word "pompous" is often used to describe someone who is overly serious, pretentious, or arrogant. It can also be used to describe something that is elaborate or ostentatious.

Examples:

  • The politician gave a pompous speech that was full of empty promises.
  • The actor's performance was pompous and over-the-top.
  • The wedding ceremony was a pompous affair with elaborate decorations and a long list of guests.

pompous relate terms

  • pomp

    Etymology Latin pompa meaning procession parade Meaning A grand elaborate o

  • pomposity

    Etymology Middle English pompousité from Old French pompeusité Latin pomposus f

  • pompous

    Etymology Latin pompare to pump swell French pompous inflated full of self impor

  • overblown

    Etymology Overblown c 1600 from over blown past participle of blow n Meanin

  • pontifical

    Etymology The word pontifical is derived from the Latin word pontifex which literall

  • magniloquent

    Etymology Magniloquent is derived from the Latin phrase magni loqui meaning to spe

  • important

    Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It can be traced back to an

  • fustian

    Etymology Middle English fustiane Old French futaine Vulgar Latin fustanea from fustis

  • gobbledygook

    Etymology The word gobbledygook is a portmanteau of two words Gobble To speak or e

  • harangue

    Etymology French harangue Late Latin haranga arenga Possibly from a pre Indo Europea

  • energy

    Etymology The word energy is derived from the Ancient Greek word ενέργεια en

  • decision

    Etymology Late Middle English from Anglo Norman French descisioun from Latin decisio

  • profound

    Etymology The word profound comes from the Latin word profundus which means deep o