pomposity

USAGE SUMMARY

"pomposity" is a correct word and can be used in written English.
In general, you can use the word to refer to ostentatiousness, arrogance, or self-importance. For example, you could say, "John's pomposity was on display during his speech, as he boasted about his achievements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even his jokes had a habit of sounding like pomposity or bad temper to those who did not know him.

The Guardian

And even Lionel Logue, the speech therapist who cuts through so much of the monarchy's pomposity, is a hideous social climber who subtly becomes more and more obnoxious and complacent the more access he gets to the king.

The Guardian - Film

Watching her being flawlessly lampooned – her hypocrisy and pomposity laid bare with a clarity that only comedy can achieve – felt like a gossamer lifeline of hope and sanity to which we could all cling.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Perry duly obliged.What elections are forComedy, vanity, pomposity, flashes of mendacity: the Republican campaign has not been edifying.

The Economist

In what many Chinese clearly see as a peevish dig at him, Mr Hu has scrapped the grandiose tradition of showy departure and return ceremonies for top leaders on foreign trips.Such simplicity from a leader strikes many in China as a refreshing change from the pomposity of Mr Jiang who, it was clear to see, enjoyed all the ceremony.

The Economist

To a friend he wrote: "No one, not even the most evil-intentioned sceptic of a democrat, would believe what charlatanry and pomposity lie hidden [in the Diet]."Bismarck was as unloved by the liberals of his time as Mr Berlusconi is unwanted by today's socialists.

The Economist

No doubt the hacks scoffed at his pomposity.

The Economist

Away with gobbledygook and pomposity, though "a final example of pomposity, perhaps, is this memorandum itself".

The Economist

In a world marked by austerity and the survival of fussiness and pomposity, "Salad Days", a seemingly nonsensical love story, struck a chord.

The Economist

As for the New York Times, he could never get on with its pomposity.

The Economist

The combination of imperial pomposity, neoclassical grace and arts-and-crafts inventiveness makes "Sculpture Victorious" an absorbing and often surprising tour.The art of the Victorians was roundly despised by the modernists who followed them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to critique someone's behavior, use "pomposity" to specifically target their self-important or pretentious manner. This noun is most effective when paired with verbs that highlight its manifestation, such as 'display', 'exhibit', or 'criticize'.

Common error

Avoid using "pomposity" when you simply mean someone is confident. "Pomposity" carries a negative connotation of arrogance and self-importance, not just assurance.

Linguistic Context

The word "pomposity" functions as a noun, typically describing a quality or state of being. It refers to the characteristic of being pompous, marked by excessive self-importance and pretentious display. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its use in describing behaviors and attitudes deemed overly grandiose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pomposity" is a noun used to describe the quality of being excessively self-important or pretentious. Ludwig's AI indicates that its grammatical usage is correct, and it appears very commonly in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "pomposity", ensure it aligns with the intended negative connotation and is not simply mistaken for confidence. Remember that "pomposity" aims to critique overblown self-importance and should be used judiciously for clarity and impact. Alternative phrases such as "arrogance", "pretentiousness", or "self-importance" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pompousness

A direct synonym, but can sometimes imply a more theatrical or ceremonial display of importance.

arrogance

Focuses more directly on an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities.

pretentiousness

Emphasizes an attempt to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, or culture than is actually possessed.

self-importance

Highlights the inflated sense of one's own significance.

affected superiority

Implies a deliberate display of feeling superior to others.

vainglory

Suggests excessive pride in one's achievements or qualities; excessive boastfulness.

grandiose behavior

Refers to acting in an excessively elaborate or showy manner.

ostentatious display

Highlights the showy or extravagant nature of the behavior intended to impress.

airs and graces

Focuses on affected manners intended to impress or convey superiority.

high-handedness

Emphasizes the overbearing and autocratic nature of the behavior.

FAQs

How is "pomposity" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "pomposity" is used as a noun to describe the quality of being pompous. You might say, "The speaker's "pomposity" was off-putting to the audience".

What are some synonyms for "pomposity"?

Synonyms for "pomposity" include "arrogance", "pretentiousness", "self-importance", and "pompousness".

Is "pomposity" a positive or negative trait?

"Pomposity" is generally considered a negative trait, implying an excessive display of self-importance and arrogance.

What is the difference between "pomposity" and confidence?

"Pomposity" involves an exaggerated sense of self-importance, often displayed in an ostentatious manner. Confidence, on the other hand, is a belief in one's abilities and qualities without necessarily being arrogant or showy. While they may overlap, the key difference lies in the intent and the degree of self-regard. To be clear, confidence is generally positive; "pomposity" is not.