Ostentation Meaning and Definition
Ostentation
Pronunciation
/ɔsˈtɛnteɪʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The presentation of luxurious or extravagant things, often for display or to impress others.
Examples
- The billionaire’s mansion was a prime example of ostentation, with its gold-plated fixtures and diamond-encrusted ceiling.
- The company’s lavish marketing campaign was an exercise in ostentation, with its over-the-top advertisements and product placements.
Synonyms
- Display
- Boast
- Appliqué
Antonyms
- Humility
- Modesty
Etymology
The word ‘Ostentation’ comes from the Latin ‘ostentare’, meaning ‘to show or display’. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe the act of showing off or displaying luxurious or extravagant things.
Usage Notes
Ostentation is often used to describe situations where people show off their wealth or status, often in a way that is considered excessive or pretentious.
For example: “The CEO’s ostentatious office was a symbol of his company’s success, but also sparked debate about his priorities.”
Cultural References
Ostentation has been referenced in popular culture in films such as ‘Pretty Woman’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’, where it is used to describe the excessive displays of wealth and status.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Keeping up appearances”
- “Pretending to be something you’re not”
Related Words or Phrases
- Ridicule
- Contempt
- Jealousy
Collocations
- “Luxury lifestyle”
- “Extravagant spending”
- “Showy display”
Frequency of Use
Ostentation is a relatively rare word in modern language, but it has gained attention in recent years due to the increasing awareness of wealth disparities and the corrupting influence of excess.
Common Misspellings
- Ostention
- Ostentional