grandiloquence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grandiloquence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a style of speaking or writing that is pompous or extravagant, often characterized by lofty or verbose language. Example: "The politician's grandiloquence during the speech left many listeners confused rather than inspired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the discussion was over, Gingrich was grandiloquent on the subject of his own grandiloquence.

The New Yorker

Enter Kekhman, then 39, a multi-millionaire fruit importer who described himself, with Freudian grandiloquence, as "the Emperor of the Banana".

The Guardian

More important, he argued, the Hong Kong gathering had "rebalanced" the WTO's agenda in favour of poor countries and created the "political energy" needed to make progress next year.For all the grandiloquence, however, there is no hiding that last week's meeting did little to promote free trade.

The Economist

But the very idea of grandiloquence evaporates in the tranquility of Mr Maxwell's presence.From a small and comfortably cluttered study at the back of his New York apartment, with windows wide open and an electric fan compounding the noises from the street, he finds it easier to type out answers to questions than to make his gentle, warmly inflected voice heard over the din.

The Economist

Too many American bosses fill their boardrooms with yes-men who have neither the character nor the financial incentive to challenge the boss's grandiloquence.

The Economist

But, when he announced the vetoes, Mr Clinton could not resist grandiloquence.

The Economist

Now the challenge is to avoid the welter of grandiloquence and rule-bending that undermined so many previous schemes.

The Economist

He has learnt a great deal about technology since then, of course, but an online-advertising entrepreneur, who deals with all three firms, says that Mr Semel still does not know enough "to go deep with the innovators".Instead Mr Semel, charming and funny in private, increasingly resorts in public to pre-cooked, vague grandiloquence laden with the jargon of "Web 2.0".

The Economist

A similar mix of grandiloquence and irony pervades his services.

The Economist

For once, such grandiloquence seems justified.

The Economist

Abílio Manuel Guerra Junqueiro, whose work showed him to be an heir to the French poet Victor Hugo, was a would-be social revolutionary prone to grandiloquence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or formal writing, reserve "grandiloquence" to describe specific instances of inflated language, providing examples to support your critique.

Common error

Avoid using "grandiloquence" simply as a synonym for eloquence or sophistication. It specifically denotes language that is excessively ornate and often insincere. Use more neutral terms like "eloquence" or "articulateness" when describing effective and clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "grandiloquence" is that of a noun. It typically serves as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting the quality of being pompous or using extravagant language. As Ludwig highlights, "grandiloquence" describes lofty, pompous, or bombastic speech or writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grandiloquence" is a noun that describes speech or writing characterized by excessive pomposity and elaborateness. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using the term, it's best to ensure it accurately reflects language intended more to impress than to communicate clearly. Avoiding overuse in descriptive writing and recognizing its critical connotation are key to proper usage. Related phrases include "pompous language" and "bombastic speech".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

magniloquent expression

Uses a synonym to convey the idea of lofty and extravagant expression.

pompous language

Focuses on the inflated and self-important nature of the language used.

bombastic speech

Emphasizes the exaggerated and theatrical quality of the speech.

grandiose verbiage

Emphasizes the use of excessively complex and wordy language.

inflated rhetoric

Highlights the excessive use of rhetorical devices.

high-flown diction

Focuses on the elevated and often artificial vocabulary used.

ornate language

Stresses the elaborate and decorative nature of the language.

flowery prose

Implies an overly decorative and embellished writing style.

rhetorical excess

Indicates an overabundance of rhetorical techniques.

pretentious vocabulary

Highlights the use of vocabulary intended to impress rather than communicate clearly.

FAQs

How can "grandiloquence" be used in a sentence?

"Grandiloquence" describes speech or writing that is excessively elevated or pompous. For example, "The politician's speech was marked by "grandiloquence", making it difficult to understand his actual message."

What are some synonyms for "grandiloquence"?

Alternatives to "grandiloquence" include "pompous language", "bombastic speech", and "inflated rhetoric". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "grandiloquence"?

"Grandiloquence" is appropriate when you want to critique or describe language that is overly ornate, bombastic, or pretentious. It implies that the speaker or writer is more interested in impressing than in communicating clearly.

What is the difference between "eloquence" and "grandiloquence"?

"Eloquence" refers to fluent, persuasive, and effective speaking or writing. "Grandiloquence", on the other hand, describes language that is excessively elevated, often to the point of being pompous or difficult to understand. While eloquence is generally seen as a positive trait, "grandiloquence" is often viewed negatively.