display ostentatiously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "display ostentatiously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who shows off or exhibits something in a way that is meant to attract attention or admiration. Example: "He tends to display ostentatiously his wealth through extravagant parties and luxury cars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Well here's a secondary definition of brandish: tr.v. 2. To display ostentatiously.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In Dallas, where wealth is often displayed ostentatiously, Bunker and his two younger brothers have deliberately cultivated a collective image as amiable tightwads - driving old cars, flying coach class, making their high-priced out-of-town lawyers double up in cramped Hunt-owned apartments.

The New York Times - Magazine

As you may well have gleaned from your reading, the first books of the poem are particularly absorbed with the idea of forgetting, because more than any other part of Paradise Lost they display so ostentatiously the remarkable scope of Milton's own memory.

Yale University

Flaunt, on the other hand, is to display (something) ostentatiously, especially in order to provoke envy or admiration.

Huffington Post

The pleasures of materialism were displayed as ostentatiously as possible, and the answer to choosing immense riches or true love was, "I'll take both, please".

The New York Times

Some of them had square orange "T" banners waving from their aerials, the same motif displayed so ostentatiously on mailboxes near Old Hickory Lake and Knoxville.

The New York Times - Sports

Wealth, great piles of it, is still being generated, and sometimes displayed so ostentatiously that no one could miss it.

Huffington Post

Did Mantle's history explain his sexual compulsions, from voyeurism to exhibitionism? (As a young reporter, I saw Mantle ostentatiously display scratch marks on his nude body to teammates, who mostly cheered his escapades).

The New York Times - Sports

The "independence" of the S. V. gov't., which its leaders sometimes ostentatiously display by making anti-American speeches, is nothing more than the freedom of a dog on a leash that barks at its master.

The New Yorker

These forces were patrolling busy areas where thousands of tourists were gathering to ostentatiously display the security they had been deployed to provide.

HuffPost

In major public areas of cities, the police presence has been especially conspicuous, with weapons ostentatiously displayed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "display ostentatiously" to describe actions intended to impress or provoke envy through conspicuous display. Ensure the context warrants the slightly negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "display ostentatiously" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "show" or "exhibit" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a tone of disapproval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "display ostentatiously" functions as a verb-adverb combination, where "display" is the verb indicating the action of showing something, and "ostentatiously" is the adverb modifying the verb to describe how the display is being done. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "display ostentatiously" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of showing something off in a conspicuous manner. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, it finds usage across various contexts, including news, media, and academic writing. It carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting an intent to impress or provoke envy. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "flaunt" or "exhibit" in formal contexts to avoid unintended disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flaunt conspicuously

Focuses more on boasting and showing off in a way that's easily noticed.

ostentatious exhibition

Focuses on the noun form of ostentation and exhibition

exhibit flamboyantly

Highlights the showy and extravagant nature of the display.

display immodestly

Highlights the lack of humility in the display.

show off boastfully

Emphasizes the act of bragging while displaying something.

parade proudly

Conveys a sense of pride and open demonstration.

broadcast flagrantly

Highlights the bold and blatant nature of the display.

grandstand theatrically

Suggests an over-the-top performance to gain attention.

present pretentiously

Implies the display is done with an air of superiority.

blazon widely

Signifies to display or make known very prominently or vividly, often acting as a metaphor.

FAQs

How can I use "display ostentatiously" in a sentence?

You can use "display ostentatiously" to describe someone showing off wealth or status, for instance: "He tends to "display ostentatiously" his wealth through extravagant parties and luxury cars."

What does "display ostentatiously" mean?

It means to exhibit something in a conspicuous way, often with the intention of impressing others or provoking envy. It carries a somewhat negative connotation.

What are some alternatives to "display ostentatiously"?

Alternatives include "flaunt conspicuously", "exhibit flamboyantly", or "show off boastfully" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "display ostentatiously" or simply "display"?

It depends on the context. "Display" is more neutral, while "display ostentatiously" implies a deliberate attempt to impress or provoke envy through a conspicuous display.