ostentatious display

USAGE SUMMARY

"ostentatious display" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used in formal or descriptive writing to describe a showy or extravagant show of wealth or status. Example: The millionaire's mansion was adorned with an ostentatious display of expensive art and luxurious furnishings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

"Bottle service killed the New York club scene, and now it's just an ostentatious display of wealth.

The New York Times

Normally Jayalalitha, a former movie star known best here by her first name, would be proud of an ostentatious display.

The New York Times

"There's a social stigma to a showy, ostentatious display of wealth through vehicles because it's, well, too American," he said.

The New York Times

And it was such an ostentatious display: all the bickering backstage, all the cocaine …" Just how cynical should we be?

The Guardian - Music

The money they spent to do this summit, the ostentatious display of wealth and power, is a shame.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Ostentatious displays of wealth are frowned upon.

The New Yorker

The ostentatious displays of excitement returned.

The New York Times - Arts

Many find their ostentatious displays of wealth uncouth.

The Guardian - Opinion

He liked to convene meetings after midnight and make ostentatious displays of his work habits.

The New Yorker

The French are usually discreet about money, and dislike ostentatious displays of wealth.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ostentatious display" when you want to criticize or negatively portray someone's attempt to impress others through extravagant showing of wealth or status. For example, "The party was an ostentatious display of the host's wealth, featuring expensive decorations and exclusive entertainment."

Common error

Avoid using "ostentatious display" in contexts where a genuine celebration or expression is intended, as it carries a negative connotation of excessive showiness and insincerity. Opt for neutral terms like "grand exhibition" or "impressive showcase" if no criticism is implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ostentatious display" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a specific type of exhibition characterized by its showiness and intention to impress, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ostentatious display" is a grammatically sound noun phrase commonly employed to describe a showy or extravagant exhibition, frequently associated with wealth or status. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is prevalent across diverse domains, with News & Media being the most frequent. While grammatically correct and widely used, remember that it often carries a negative connotation. Related phrases such as "conspicuous display" or "ostentatious show" can serve as alternatives, depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ostentatious show

Simple substitution of "display" with the word "show", keeping the core meaning intact.

ostentatious exhibition

Replaces 'display' with 'exhibition', maintaining the sense of showing something, but potentially implying a more curated or organized presentation.

ostentatious presentation

Substitutes 'display' with 'presentation', suggesting a more formal or deliberate act of showing off.

conspicuous display

Replaces "ostentatious" with "conspicuous", focusing on how easily the display is noticed or stands out.

startling display

Replaces "ostentatious" with "startling", focusing on the surprising or attention-grabbing aspect of the display rather than its showiness.

spectacular display

Replaces "ostentatious" with "spectacular", focusing on the impressive and visually stunning qualities of the display.

striking display

Replaces "ostentatious" with "striking", highlighting the visual impact and memorability of the display.

extraordinary display

Uses "extraordinary" to emphasize the unusual or remarkable nature of the display, which may or may not be intended to impress.

sensational display

Replaces "ostentatious" with "sensational", emphasizing the excitement and public interest generated by the display.

cocky display

Substitutes "ostentatious" with "cocky", adding a sense of arrogance or overconfidence to the act of displaying.

FAQs

How to use "ostentatious display" in a sentence?

Use "ostentatious display" to describe a showy or extravagant exhibition, often of wealth or status, intended to impress others. For example, "The wedding was an "ostentatious display" of the family's fortune."

What can I say instead of "ostentatious display"?

You can use alternatives like "conspicuous display", "ostentatious show", or "extravagant exhibition" depending on the context.

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

"Ostentatious display" and "modest display" are both grammatically correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Ostentatious display" refers to a showy and extravagant exhibition, while "modest display" refers to a simple and understated presentation.

What is the difference between "ostentatious display" and "pompous display"?

While both phrases suggest a showy exhibition, ""ostentatious display"" focuses on the extravagance of the display itself, whereas a pompous display emphasizes the self-importance and arrogance of the person presenting it.