Vocabulary in context
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Bombastic
Pompous, inflated, and showy in language or style, often with little real substance.
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Imagine This
Imagine a politician at a rally delivering a speech filled with grandiose adjectives and vivid metaphors, but when pressed for specifics, they can’t provide concrete details.
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Sounds Like
bom-BAS-tik
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Looks Like
resembles 'bombast' with the -ic suffix (visual cue that it relates to padding or inflated language)
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Remember This
Bom-bast originally referred to padding or stuffing used in clothing; bombastic language uses that padding to sound impressive.
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Other Forms
bombastnoun
bombasticallyadverb
bombasticitynoun
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Connect With
pompous, grandiose, inflated, grandiloquent, pretentious
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Note
Negative connotation. Use to critique language that is overly showy and insubstantial. Do not misuse for genuine enthusiasm or powerful emotion.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The candidate's bombastic speech impressed the crowd but offered few concrete policies.
- Her article was criticized for its bombastic prose that added flair but little meaning.
Synonyms
pompousgrandiosepretentiousinflatedhigh-sounding
Antonyms
humbleunpretentioussincere
Etymology
From bombast, meaning padding or stuffing used in clothing; the sense extended to inflated or overbearing language. First used in English in the 16th century.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: Boast + ic — remember that bombastic language is basically boastful padding that sounds impressive but is insubstantial.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
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