Ostentation Definition and Meaning
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Published on November 22, 2025
Ostentation refers to the showy display of wealth, knowledge, or skills, often to attract attention or admiration. e.g., The millionaire's ostentation was evident in his lavish parties.
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Ostentation Definitions
Excessive display of wealth or possessions.
His ostentation was clear when he arrived in a gold-plated car.
Flamboyant or showy exhibitionism.
His ostentation is obvious in his choice of brightly colored suits.
The practice of making a grandiose appearance.
The gala was an ostentation of the city's elite.
A pretentious or conspicuous show meant to impress.
The dinner party was an exercise in ostentation, with extravagant dishes and decor.
Display intended to provoke envy or admiration.
Her jewels were worn more for ostentation than for beauty.
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Making an unnecessary show of something to attract attention.
The ostentation of his academic titles was rather off-putting.
The act of showing off one’s capabilities or achievements.
Her ostentation during the recital won her no fans.
An attempt to attract notice or admiration through blatant display.
Their wedding was an ostentation of their newfound wealth.
Showiness that is often tasteless or vulgar.
The ostentation of his new mansion bordered on the grotesque.
Pretentious display meant to impress others; pretentious showiness.
(Archaic) The act or an instance of showing; an exhibition.
Ambitious display; vain show; display intended to excite admiration or applause.
(obsolete) A show or spectacle.
The act of ostentating or of making an ambitious display; unnecessary show; pretentious parade; - usually in a detractive sense.
He knew that good and bountiful minds were sometimes inclined to ostentation.
A show or spectacle.
A showy outward display
Lack of elegance as a consequence of being pompous and puffed up with vanity
Pretentious or showy or vulgar display
A deliberate display of extravagance.
The corporate event's ostentation included fireworks and a celebrity performance.
Ostentation Snonyms
Flamboyance
The tendency to attract attention because of one's exuberance, confidence, and stylishness.
Her flamboyance at the event was undeniable.
Pomp
Ceremony and splendid display, especially at public events.
The royal wedding was an example of pomp and circumstance.
Showiness
Displaying something in a very noticeable way.
His showiness at parties often included flamboyant outfits.
Splendor
Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur.
The splendor of the palace was a clear sign of ostentation.
Vainglory
Excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements; excessive vanity.
His vainglory was apparent when he spoke of his conquests.
Flashiness
Ostentatious or showy in appearance.
The flashiness of his watch caught everyone's eye.
Pretentiousness
Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.
The pretentiousness of his speech made it difficult to listen to.
Extravagance
Excessive or unnecessary expenditure or display.
His extravagance was evident in his purchase of a private jet.
Gaudiness
Extravagantly bright or showy, typically so as to be tasteless.
The gaudiness of the decor was overwhelming.
Grandiosity
An exaggerated sense of one's importance, sometimes manifesting in the display of wealth or importance.
The grandiosity of the event spoke volumes about the host's desire to impress.
Ostentation Idioms & Phrases
A penny for your thoughts, a dollar for your ostentation
Suggesting that quiet contemplation is undervalued compared to flashy display.
In today’s celebrity culture, it’s all a penny for your thoughts, a dollar for your ostentation.
Ostentation Example Sentences
She wore her most expensive jewelry in a display of pure ostentation.
The new billionaire's ostentation included throwing extravagant parties every month.
His ostentation knew no bounds, as evidenced by his custom-built yacht.
Despite her humble beginnings, she now lives a life full of ostentation.
The film festival was criticized for its ostentation and lack of substance.
He bought the sports car purely for ostentation, not for its performance.
The fashion show was an ostentation of wealth and high society.
Ostentation was apparent in every corner of the ornate mansion.
Her ostentation was evident in the lavish gifts she gave for minor occasions.
The gala event was nothing short of ostentation, complete with red carpet and paparazzi.
His ostentation was off-putting to those who valued modesty and simplicity.
They accused him of ostentation when he wore his designer suit to the casual meeting.
The ceremony was marked by ostentation, overshadowing the real achievement being celebrated.
The party was an exercise in ostentation, with expensive wines and gourmet foods.
In his ostentation, he forgot the value of genuine friendships and connections.
Common Curiosities
How do we divide ostentation into syllables?
Ostentation is divided into syllables as os-ten-ta-tion.
What is the pronunciation of ostentation?
Ostentation is pronounced as \ˌäs-tən-ˈtā-shən.
What is the root word of ostentation?
The root word of ostentation is the Latin "ostentare," meaning to show off or display.
How is ostentation used in a sentence?
Ostentation is used to describe a lavish or showy display, often to impress others. e.g., His new sports car was a clear sign of ostentation.
What is the verb form of ostentation?
The verb form of ostentation is "ostentate," although it's rarely used.
What is another term for ostentation?
Another term for ostentation is "showiness."
Why is it called ostentation?
Ostentation comes from the Latin word "ostentare," meaning to display or show off, reflecting its meaning of extravagant display.
How many syllables are in ostentation?
Ostentation has four syllables.
What is a stressed syllable in ostentation?
The stressed syllable in ostentation is the second one: os-TEN-ta-tion.
What is the opposite of ostentation?
The opposite of ostentation is modesty or simplicity.
Is ostentation a noun or adjective?
Ostentation is a noun.
What is the singular form of ostentation?
The singular form is "ostentation."
Is ostentation an adverb?
No, ostentation is not an adverb.
Is the ostentation term a metaphor?
Ostentation can be used metaphorically to describe any excessive display, not just of wealth.
Which determiner is used with ostentation?
Determiners like "the" or "some" can be used with ostentation, depending on the context.
Which vowel is used before ostentation?
The use of a vowel or consonant before "ostentation" depends on the preceding word; it typically does not dictate a specific vowel use.
What part of speech is ostentation?
Ostentation is a noun.
Is the word ostentation Gerund?
No, ostentation is not a gerund; it remains a noun.
What is the plural form of ostentation?
The plural form is "ostentations."
Is ostentation a negative or positive word?
Ostentation often has a negative connotation, implying excessive or vulgar display.
Is ostentation a vowel or consonant?
The word ostentation starts with a vowel sound.
Is ostentation a countable noun?
Yes, ostentation is a countable noun.
Is ostentation a collective noun?
No, ostentation is not typically considered a collective noun.
Is the word ostentation imperative?
No, ostentation is not an imperative; it's a noun.
Which preposition is used with ostentation?
Prepositions such as "in" or "with" can be used with ostentation, e.g., "in ostentation" or "with ostentation."
Is the word “ostentation” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
In a sentence, "ostentation" can serve as a direct object, e.g., "They despise ostentation."
Which article is used with ostentation?
Both "the" (definite) and "a" (indefinite) articles can be used with ostentation, depending on whether the ostentation is specific or general.
Is ostentation an abstract noun?
Yes, ostentation is an abstract noun as it refers to a concept or idea rather than a physical object.
Which conjunction is used with ostentation?
Conjunctions like "and" or "but" can be used with ostentation to connect ideas or clauses.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
