ostentatious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ostentatious" is correct and can be used in written English.
This word is often used to describe people who display their wealth or achievements in a showy or boastful way. For example, you could say, "He drives a gaudy red sports car, an example of his ostentatious lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the player's ostentatious manner off the pitch made him an easy scapegoat.

The Guardian - Sport

Could it be that, as the economy recovers, ostentatious displays of wealth are becoming fashionable again?

The Guardian - Opinion

The unutterable, ostentatious horror of Isis's actions – the latest of which is the beheading of the British aid worker David Haines – and the way in which it actively solicits disgust, now has to be reconciled with the knowledge that these combatants are educated, tech-savvy and enjoy a popular base.

The Guardian - Opinion

The TV cameras were in attendance and the newly elected ministers, caught on film making awkward small-talk moments before the prime minister's entrance, were careful to avoid any ostentatious self-congratulation.

The Guardian

"Best is not fundamentally ostentatious," Hopcraft wrote, "he is merely young, popular and rich by lower-middle-class standards.

The Guardian

Her ostentatious display and over-the-top emotions were mercilessly parodied.

The Guardian

He's wearing an ostentatious blazer and is with a model who looks Photoshopped into the scene.

The Guardian - Music

That state-shrivelling £23bn surplus plan gave his game away, so now he cuts it back to £7bn – still austere, but less ostentatious.

The Guardian - Opinion

A ban on the wearing of all "ostentatious" religious symbols, such as the Muslim headscarf, in public schools was passed with Socialist support in 2004.

The Economist

The Middle Blingdom Ending the open season on artists A row over cows The beast in the bush A market for computing power The art of management ReprintsFor the most ostentatious Chinese consumers like to shop abroad.

The Economist

In Syria economic liberalisation after years of socialist austerity enriched an ostentatious few.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ostentatious" when you want to criticize or negatively describe a showy or pretentious display. Be aware of its judgmental tone and choose it deliberately to convey disapproval or mockery.

Common error

Avoid using "ostentatious" simply to mean 'expensive' or 'lavish'. "Ostentatious" implies that the expense is intended to impress others, not merely to enjoy luxury. Something can be "extravagant" without being "ostentatious".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "ostentatious" primarily functions as a pre-modifier, describing nouns. It characterizes something as showy, pretentious, or designed to impress. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ostentatious" is an adjective used to describe something designed to impress or attract attention, often in a vulgar or excessive way. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and is very common in news, business and formal contexts. It carries a negative connotation, implying that the display is excessive and intended to impress others. When writing, be mindful of this judgmental tone and consider alternatives like "showy" or "pretentious" if a less critical term is desired. Avoid confusing it with "extravagant", which does not necessarily imply an intention to impress. Remember that it is generally neutral but it leans towards formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

showy

Focuses on the visual aspect of being striking and noticeable.

pretentious

Emphasizes an exaggerated sense of self-importance and affected manner.

gaudy

Suggests a tasteless and excessive display, often related to color and ornamentation.

flamboyant

Highlights a bold and theatrical quality in behavior or appearance.

exhibitionist

Specifically refers to a deliberate display for attention, sometimes with a sexual connotation.

grandiose

Indicates an exaggerated sense of scale or importance, often in plans or ideas.

theatrical

Implies an artificial or exaggerated display of emotions or behavior.

flashy

Highlights a quick, bright, and often superficial display.

pompous

Indicates an excessive display of self-importance and formality.

conspicuous

Simply means easily noticeable, without the negative connotation of trying to impress.

FAQs

How to use "ostentatious" in a sentence?

Use "ostentatious" to describe something that is designed to impress or attract notice, often in a vulgar or excessive way. For example, "The celebrity's "ostentatious" display of wealth at the party was distasteful."

What can I say instead of "ostentatious"?

You can use alternatives like "showy", "pretentious", or "gaudy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the display.

Which is correct, "ostentatious display" or "ostensible display"?

"Ostentatious display" is correct if you mean a vulgar or excessive display of wealth or status. "Ostensible display" doesn't make sense; "ostensible" means something that appears to be true but is not necessarily so.

What's the difference between "ostentatious" and "flamboyant"?

"Ostentatious" implies a vulgar attempt to impress. "Flamboyant" simply means strikingly bold or showy; it doesn't necessarily carry a negative connotation.