ostentation
pronunciation
How to pronounce ostentation in British English:
UK [ˌɒstenˈteɪʃn]
How to pronounce ostentation in American English:
US [ˌɑstenˈteɪʃn]
-
- Noun:
- a showy outward display
- lack of elegance as a consequence of being pompous and puffed up with vanity
- pretentious or showy or vulgar display
Word Origin
- ostentation (n.)
- mid-15c., from Old French ostentacion (mid-14c.) and directly from Latin ostentationem (nominative ostentatio) "showing, exhibition, vain display," noun of action from past participle stem of ostentare "to display," frequentative of ostendere "to show" (see ostensible).
Example
- 1. But there is also a growing class of discerning customers who look down on ostentation . They pride themselves on their appreciation of wine , tea and coffee .
- 2. In china , attitudes to luxury have changed dramatically from just a few years ago , when any form of ostentation was frowned upon .
- 3. The centrality of the money motive in wealth creation appeared to detract from capitalism 's legitimacy unless there was an implicit social contract between the rich and the rest of society , whereby the wealthy tempered ostentation and engaged in philanthropy .
- 4. Quite apart from her obvious appeal as an outstanding british symbol of wealth , success and creativity , ms rowling 's quietude , lack of ostentation and devotion to charitable causes ( particularly towards one-parent families and multiple sclerosis sufferers ) strikes a temperamental chord with the new prime minister .