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Meaning & use

ostentatiously

adverb·Advanceddisapproving

Last updated

UK/ˌɒstenˈteɪʃəsli/
US/ˌɑːstenˈteɪʃəsli/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meaning

  1. adverbdisapproving

    In a way that is meant to attract notice and impress others, often by showing wealth or importance.

    Grammar: Modifies a verb or adjective: He ostentatiously checked his watch.

    Patterns

    • ostentatiously dressed
    • ostentatiously displayed
    • speak ostentatiously

    She ostentatiously placed her diamond ring on the table so everyone would see it.

    He ostentatiously checked his watch during the meeting to show he was busy.

    The hotel lobby was ostentatiously decorated with gold and marble.

Common combinations

ostentatiously wealthy
The neighborhood is known for its ostentatiously wealthy residents.
ostentatiously display something
He ostentatiously displayed his new car in front of the office.
dress ostentatiously
She likes to dress ostentatiously for parties.
ostentatiously generous
His ostentatiously generous donations made some people suspicious.

Synonyms and how they differ

showily
Similar but more informal; it emphasizes a flashy appearance rather than a deliberate attempt to impress.
flamboyantly
Focuses on a bold, colorful style; it can be approving, while ostentatiously is usually critical.
pretentiously
Suggests claiming more importance or culture than one has; ostentatiously is more about displaying wealth or status.

Opposites

modestlyunassuminglyquietly

Word family

ostentatious adjective
Designed to impress or attract notice; showy.
ostentation noun
The act of showing off wealth or knowledge to impress others.

Commonly confused: ostentatiously or ostensibly?

ostentatiously vs ostensibly

Ostensibly means 'apparently' or 'seemingly', while ostentatiously means 'in a showy way'. They sound similar but have different meanings.

Practice

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