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Bumptious
Offensively self-important; aggressively self-assertive.
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Imagine This
People who like to 'bump' others are most likely offensive and feel they are more important than others.
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Sounds Like
BUMP-shuhs
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Looks Like
bump-tious
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Remember This
First used in the 19th century; derives from bump (to push) with the -tious suffix. It connotes a harsher, more insulting sense than 'pompous'.
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Other Forms
bumptiousnessnoun
bumptiouslyadverb
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Connect With
pompous, pretentious, overbearing, brash; self-importance
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Note
Do not confuse bumptious with merely confident or bold; bumptious implies overt, pushy self-importance that annoys others.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- Her bumptious attitude at the meeting turned off her colleagues.
- The consultant's bumptious remarks suggested he expected everyone to follow his lead.
Synonyms
pompouspretentiousoverbearingbrashself-important
Antonyms
humblemodestunpretentious
Etymology
From bump (to strike or push) plus the suffix -tious; first used in the 19th century to describe offensively self-assertive behavior.
Mnemonic
BUMP + SHUSH: Imagine a rude person who bumps into you and then shushes you, signaling pushy, self-important behavior.
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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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