sesquipedalian

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sesquipedalian" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that uses or is composed of long words, or someone who is fond of using long words. Example sentence: "Whenever Bob gave a presentation, he became notorious for his sesquipedalian vocabulary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It doesn't matter whether you have ever seen any of his (very funny) comedy or read his (extremely tedious) book, Revolution: having at least one opinion on the sesquipedalian Victorian ragamuffin is now as much a part of being British as the Magna Carta or Marks & Spencer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Crucially, an opponent who had stuck to simple words and then sprouts "sesquipedalian" will inevitably stoke suspicion that he availed himself of an algorithmic aid.

The Economist

I'm never really comfortable with the idea that I'm this monstrous sesquipedalian.

The Economist

Moss is also given to rambling displays of erudition, sometimes with an ironic flourish; he'll choose big words to make the congregation chuckle at his sesquipedalian flair.

The New Yorker

The film looks longingly toward a time when sesquipedalian patricians such as Buckley and Vidal could even be considered for a network's mainstream, prime-time broadcast.

The New Yorker

Having grown up with a crush on William F. Buckley Jr. for his sesquipedalian facility, it's hard for me to watch the right wing of the G.O.P. revel in anti-intellectualism and anti-science cant.

The New York Times

Not only was he the high priest of the modern American conservative movement and the founding editor in chief of its leading intellectual publication, National Review; he was also a gifted polemicist, best-selling novelist, sesquipedalian speaker, television star, political candidate, yachtsman, harpsichordist, wit and bon vivant.

The New York Times - Books

We were "recumbent" on the steps, feeling "sesquipedalian," unafraid of the warm night under the watchful gaze of a phalanx of Fifth Avenue doormen.

The New York Times

Even the sesquipedalian Tom Stoppard, I would argue, is ultimately of this school; he builds his many-splendored, polysyllabic words into towers of Babel that ultimately collapse under the weight of their own inadequacy.

The New York Times

This capacity to draw inspiration from different genres was fundamental in the development of his career and unlike the sesquipedalian Lezama Lima, author of the masterpiece Paradiso, Piñera combined Cuban vernacular with more refined language.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Throw out all the literary stuff," - adjectives, adverbs, sesquipedalian words and sentences - counselled Simenon's mentor and editor, Colette.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sesquipedalian" sparingly and deliberately. While it can effectively convey a sense of erudition or pretentiousness, overuse can alienate your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "sesquipedalian" simply to sound intelligent. The word carries a connotation of excessive or unnecessary complexity. Ensure your word choice genuinely enhances, rather than obscures, your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "sesquipedalian" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a characteristic of using long or complex words. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound. The examples show its use in describing vocabulary, writing styles, and even people.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sesquipedalian" is a grammatically correct adjective used to describe something characterized by long or complex words. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds its use primarily in formal contexts, particularly within news and media. While conveying erudition, overuse might be perceived as pretentious. Alternatives include "using long words" or "verbose". Remember to employ "sesquipedalian" judiciously to enhance, not obscure, your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

using long words

Focuses on the length of the words used, avoiding judgmental connotations.

characterized by polysyllabic vocabulary

Highlights the technical aspect of using words with many syllables.

given to using complex terminology

Emphasizes the complexity and technical nature of the language.

fond of grandiloquent language

Indicates a liking for pompous or bombastic language.

prone to using verbose expressions

Highlights the tendency to use more words than necessary.

inclined to employ elaborate diction

Focuses on the careful and detailed selection of words.

exhibiting a penchant for highfalutin verbiage

Suggests a fondness for pretentious or overly sophisticated language.

using inflated vocabulary

Implies that the vocabulary is exaggerated or unnecessarily complex.

employing convoluted phrasing

Highlights the intricate and often difficult-to-follow structure of the language.

relying on flowery language

Suggests the language is ornamental and decorative, possibly at the expense of clarity.

FAQs

How can I use "sesquipedalian" in a sentence?

You can use "sesquipedalian" to describe someone or something characterized by long words. For example: "The professor's lectures were known for their "sesquipedalian" nature, often leaving students reaching for their dictionaries."

What is a simpler word for "sesquipedalian"?

While there isn't a single perfect synonym, you could use phrases like "using long words", "verbose", or "wordy" depending on the specific context.

Is "sesquipedalian" a positive or negative term?

"Sesquipedalian" is generally neutral but often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the language is unnecessarily complex or pretentious. Whether it's positive or negative depends on the context and the speaker's intent.

What is the etymology of "sesquipedalian"?

"Sesquipedalian" comes from the Latin word "sesquipedalis", which literally means "a foot and a half long." It was originally used to describe long words but has evolved to describe the use of such words.