Published 2026-09-17

pompous

The story behind “pompous”, from its beginnings to its meaning today. #words #vocabulary

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   THE STORY STARTS HERE: Where did “pompous” come from?. Pompous came through French from Late Latin pomposus, stately or splendid, based on Latin pompa, a ceremonial procession, itself from Greek pompe, a sending or solemn procession.

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   THE CONNECTION: How the word got here. Magnificent public display could be admired as stately, but display also invited criticism as ostentation. The negative judgment came to dominate, so pompous now usually means self-important or pretentiously grand.

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   THE WORD: “pompous”. Say it: /ˈpɑmpəs/
   Meaning: Marked by elaborate ceremony and stately display.

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   PUT IT TO USE: “pompous”. Can you use this word in a sentence?
   Try one in the comments.

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