ostentatious show

USAGE SUMMARY

"ostentatious show" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a display or exhibition that is meant to attract attention or admiration, often in a way that is excessive or pretentious. For example, "The gala was filled with an ostentatious show of wealth and luxury." Alternative expressions include "extravagant display" and "flamboyant exhibition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Ivanovic comes forward and makes an ostentatious show of demanding the ball on his head, right by the penalty spot.

The Guardian - Sport

Not quite a 50-50 split, but there are plenty of folk who are making an ostentatious show of refusing to acknowledge him.

The Guardian - Sport

Which is why Jesus makes such an ostentatious show of fraternising with those who were traditionally debarred from holy space – the lame and blind, sinners, lepers, menstruating women.

The Guardian - Opinion

As we joined the long queue for cabs, people busied themselves peeling off layers of clothing, and making an ostentatious show of their resortwear underneath.

The Guardian

Rosy Bindi, president of the parliamentary anti-mafia commission, told the Associated Press that it was "alarming" that a funeral for someone allegedly caught up in the mob to be "transformed into an ostentatious show of mafia power".

Independent

"This should be an event open equally to everyone, not an ostentatious show of wealth and Hollywood power," said one of the anti-globalisation organisers".There are going to be more disturbances.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Ostentatious shows of wealth may count against him, however.

The Guardian

Mafia crews try to run their enterprises quietly, Mr. Agnifilo said, while street gangs like the Bloods and Crips are prone to ostentatious shows of raw power.

The New York Times

"The era of being ostentatious, showing off by buying the best, those days are for the most part in our rear-view mirror," Ganis said.

The New York Times - Sports

He is widely viewed as being free of the corruption that stained so many of those generals; even former critics have noted with approval that his wife and daughters have avoided the ostentatious shows of wealth that earned his predecessor's family so much animosity in one of Asia's poorest countries.

The New York Times

For months, Mr. Saleh gave weekly speeches at the rallies, and the ostentatious shows of support helped him justify keeping his grip on power in the face of the far larger and more organic antigovernment sit-ins here and around the country.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ostentatious show" when you want to criticize or highlight the excessive and often pretentious nature of a display or event. Be mindful of the negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "ostentatious show" in contexts where a positive or neutral description is intended. The phrase implies disapproval or criticism due to its association with excessive display and pretentiousness.

Linguistic Context

Ostentatious show functions as a noun phrase, where 'ostentatious' modifies 'show'. It describes the kind of exhibition on display. This phrase is used to critically point out an excessive attempt at catching people's eyes through the medium of grandeur.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Encyclopedias

9%

Huffington Post

9%

Less common in

Vice

0%

Independent

0%

BBC

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ostentatious show" is used to describe displays that are excessively extravagant and intended to impress others, often negatively. Grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media sources, the phrase indicates a neutral register, however, the term itself carries a disapproving tone. Ludwig highlights that while there are alternative phrases such as "extravagant display" and "flamboyant exhibition", care should be taken to understand the negative connotation implied by "ostentatious show".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extravagant display

Focuses on the lavish and unrestrained nature of the display.

flamboyant exhibition

Emphasizes the bold and colorful characteristics of the display.

pretentious spectacle

Highlights the affected and showy aspect of the event.

grandiose demonstration

Emphasizes the ambitious and imposing scale of the display.

theatrical presentation

Focuses on the dramatic and staged nature of the event.

showy performance

Highlights the intention to impress through outward appearance.

ostentatious display of wealth

Explicitly adds the element of wealth being prominently showcased.

pompous ceremony

Emphasizes the self-important and ceremonious nature of the event.

flashy demonstration

Highlights the attention-grabbing and visually striking aspects.

gaudy exhibition

Emphasizes the excessive ornamentation and tastelessness.

FAQs

How can "ostentatious show" be used in a sentence?

You can use "ostentatious show" to describe events or displays marked by excessive and pretentious display, such as "The wedding was an "ostentatious show" of wealth, complete with a live orchestra and ice sculptures."

What's a synonym for "ostentatious show"?

Alternatives include "extravagant display", "flamboyant exhibition", or "pretentious spectacle". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is implied by referring to something as an "ostentatious show"?

Calling something an "ostentatious show" implies that the display is excessively showy and intended to impress, often to the point of being distasteful or pretentious. The display or the event is designed to be noticed but is regarded as vulgar.

Is "ostentatious show" formal or informal?

While the phrase can appear in news media and other relatively neutral contexts, "ostentatious show" leans toward formal usage due to the word "ostentatious". It can be used in both formal and informal writing.