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Chiageraldine Posted 17 years ago
Vocabulary

Meaning of Pompous

\what does POMPOUS mean? does it always signify something negative? for example"

the pompous governement official --- negative

pompous event ---- does this have a negative meaning?

pompous proclamation ------ same question as above

i am also confused with the meaning of OSTENTATOUS?
  

Top answer

Yes, it is generally negative, but as you can see, the 3rd meaning (which is not the usual interpretation) is neutral: 1. characterized by an ostentatious display of dignity or importance: a pompous minor official. 2.

— Mister Micawber

  • Yes, it is generally negative, but as you can see, the 3rd meaning (which is not the usual interpretation) is neutral: 1.
  • characterized by an ostentatious display of dignity or importance: a pompous minor official.
  • 2.
  • ostentatiously lofty or high-flown: a pompous speech.
  • 3.
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3 Answers
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Yes, it is generally negative, but as you can see, the 3rd meaning (which is not the usual interpretation) is neutral:

1.characterized by an ostentatious display of dignity or importance: a pompous minor official.
2.ostentatiously lofty or high-flown: a pompous speech.
3.character
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Hi Chiageraldine

I'd say that "pompous" is always very negative when it is used to describe a person's personality or character, or some aspect of a person (such as the way a person speaks or writes). And this is the way "pompous" is most often used.

A pompous event seems more neutral to me. I'd say any real negative sense would be context-dependent.

A
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Hi!
Im just confused whether ostentatious is synonyms with boastful? or is it more synonyms with pompous?

Thanks a lot. your answer, and also MM's was very helpful.
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