Pompous Meaning and Definition
Pompous
Pronunciation
/ˈpɒmpəs/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A pompous person is one who is excessively proud of their own importance, wealth, or status, often to the point of being annoying or off-putting.
Examples
1. “He came across as pompous and arrogant in his presentation, which quickly alienated the audience.”
2. “Her pompous attitude towards her colleagues made it difficult to work with her.”
Synonyms
1. Pretentious
2. Arrogant
3. Haughty
Antonyms
1. Humble
2. Modest
3. Unpretentious
Etymology
The word “pompous” originates from the Latin “pompus,” meaning “a show” or “display,” and has been used in English since the 15th century to describe someone who is overly proud of themselves.
Usage Notes
Use “pompous” to describe someone who is excessively proud of their own importance or status, often to the point of being annoying or off-putting.
Avoid using “pompous” to describe someone who is simply confident or assertive, as this can be perceived as a negative term.
Cultural References
Pompous has been used in various forms of media, such as literature, film, and television, to describe characters who exhibit excessive pride or arrogance.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Pompous ass” is a common idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is excessively proud of themselves.
Collocations
Pompous is often used in combination with words such as “attitude,” “behavior,” “air,” or “tone” to describe someone’s demeanor.
Frequency of Use
Pompous is a relatively uncommon word in everyday language, but it is often used in formal writing, such as academic or literary contexts, to describe someone’s behavior or attitude.
Common Misspellings
1. Pompus
2. Pomus
Additional Information
Pompous is a term used to describe behavior that is perceived as excessively proud or arrogant. In many cultures, being pompous is seen as a negative trait, as it can be perceived as mocking or belittling others. However, in some contexts, being pompous can also be seen as a sign of confidence or assertiveness.
In the workplace, being pompous can be a major turn-off for colleagues and can lead to difficulties in building effective relationships. On the other hand, being confident and assertive without being pompous can be an attractive quality in a colleague or business partner.
Pompous is also often used in a humorous or ironic sense to describe someone who is acting in a way that is perceived as having an excessive sense of importance or self-importance.