ostentatious nature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ostentatious nature" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is characterized by vulgar or pretentious display, often intended to attract notice or admiration. Example: "The ostentatious nature of the mansion was evident in its gold-plated fixtures and extravagant decor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Lebedev was talking to police, but was unhappy about the ostentatious nature of the search, redolent of Russia's lawless 1990s, the aide added.

The Guardian

But it lacks the ostentatious nature of the M17x.

TechCrunch

In the advertising for the film, MGM boasted of the film's ostentatious nature, bragging that it was "SO BIG that only MGM could handle it", with its "countless beauties, trained lions, ponies, dogs and other animals".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

You see, women, by our very nature, can be ostentatious without even realising it, as the former home secretary, Jacqui Smith, discovered in 2007 when journalists became obsessed with her cleavage, or "home front", as they dubbed it.

The Guardian - Opinion

And as he wryly points out, what is the ostentatious plumage of the male peacock but nature's bling?

The New York Times

It's a reality that can elude some, as processors can bear ostentatious names like Snapdragon and Hummingbird that obscure the nature of their architecture.

TechCrunch

Just don't you go doing anything ostentatious like feeding your hungry, crying baby with the boobs that nature and/or God gave you to soothe and sustain said baby, because that would be, like, totally ostentatious.

Vice

A wide range of strategies are therefore employed throughout nature to maximize the chances of sexual success, from ostentatious courtship rituals to the subtle subliminal signals sent out using chemicals called pheromones.

eLife

The nature of the film, and the medical condition it describes, deny him the ostentatious acting challenges that usually come with playing a physically disabled character, but that only makes his clinched, internalised performance all the more remarkable.

The Guardian - Film

It is a deliberately abstract monument, plainly designed so it could be a focus for memory without being an ostentatious call to arms: that very modesty helps to explain why someone might misunderstand its nature, especially if they don't read English.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nothing could be less like the agonies of St. Anthony, or even the ostentatious retreats of Beckford and Stanhope, than the mild Romantic variety loved by Wordsworth, who communed with nature and conversed with stray solitaries but was rarely alone.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ostentatious nature" to describe displays or behaviors that are deliberately showy and intended to impress, but be mindful of the potentially negative connotation of being overly flashy or pretentious.

Common error

Avoid using "ostentatious nature" when simply describing something luxurious or expensive. "Ostentatious" implies a deliberate attempt to impress, not just inherent value or beauty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ostentatious nature" functions as a noun phrase, where "ostentatious" is an adjective modifying the noun "nature". Ludwig confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. It describes the inherent quality or characteristic of something being showy.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ostentatious nature" is a noun phrase used to describe the showy and attention-seeking quality of something. Ludwig highlights that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. While not extremely common, it appears in various contexts such as news, wikis, and scientific articles. It's crucial to remember that "ostentatious" often carries a negative connotation, implying excessive and somewhat vulgar display. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intention to critique or evaluate something based on its showiness. Alternatives like "showy character" or "pretentious quality" can be used to express similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

showy character

Replaces "ostentatious" with "showy", emphasizing the visual aspect of being flashy.

pretentious quality

Substitutes "ostentatious" with "pretentious", highlighting the affected or artificial nature of the display.

extravagant display

Focuses on the excessive and lavish aspect, using "extravagant" to replace "ostentatious".

flashy disposition

Emphasizes the quick and attention-grabbing nature of the display.

conspicuous extravagance

Highlights the obvious and noticeable excessiveness.

theatrical demeanor

Suggests a staged or dramatic quality in the display.

bombastic style

Focuses on the exaggerated and pompous manner of presentation.

flaunting tendency

Highlights the act of showing off or parading something.

grandiose air

Implies a sense of exaggerated importance and scale.

pompous affectation

Suggests an artificial and self-important manner.

FAQs

How can I use "ostentatious nature" in a sentence?

You can use "ostentatious nature" to describe something that is characterized by vulgar or pretentious display, often intended to attract notice or admiration. For example: "The "ostentatious nature" of the mansion was evident in its gold-plated fixtures and extravagant decor."

What is a good alternative to "ostentatious nature"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "showy character", "pretentious quality", or "extravagant display" to convey a similar meaning.

What does "ostentatious" really mean?

"Ostentatious" describes something that is characterized by vulgar or pretentious display designed to impress or attract notice. It often carries a negative connotation, implying that the display is excessive and in poor taste.

Is it correct to use "ostentatious" to describe someone's personality?

Yes, you can use "ostentatious" to describe someone's personality or behavior if they consistently display their wealth, skills, or knowledge in a showy and pretentious manner. For example, you might say someone has an "ostentatious demeanor".