Ostentatiously - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

To do something 'ostentatiously' means doing it in a showy, flamboyant, and deliberately attention-grabbing way. It's all about displaying wealth, knowledge, or skills in a manner that's intended to impress others. Think of wearing flashy jewelry, driving an expensive car, or bragging about your achievements. It's the opposite of being subtle or modest; it's purposefully over-the-top to attract attention. Imagine someone showing off their designer clothes; that's acting ostentatiously.

Etymology

The word 'ostentatiously' comes from 'ostentatious,' which is derived from the Latin word 'ostentare,' meaning 'to display' or 'to show off.' 'Ostendere' in Latin means 'to exhibit' or 'to make visible.' Therefore, 'ostentatiously' describes behavior that's intended to be prominently displayed.

Related Words

Examples

• "He ostentatiously waved his expensive watch to impress the crowd."
• "She ostentatiously displayed her designer handbag at the party."
• "The mansion was ostentatiously decorated with gold and diamonds."
• "They ostentatiously drove around town in their brand-new sports car."

Encouragement

While it's good to be proud of your accomplishments, remember that humility and kindness are equally important. Using 'ostentatiously' adds a critical edge to your writing, revealing characters' motivations. Try to be authentic and genuine! ❤️

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