pompously

UK: /ˈpɒmpəsli/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

pomp•ous /ˈpɑmpəs/   adj. 

1. having or showing too much self-importance:
   He sounded very pompous, but no one was impressed.

pom•pos•i•ty /pɑmˈpɑsɪti/  pom•pous•ness, n. [uncountable]
pomp•ous•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

pomp•ous  (pom′pəs), adj. 

1. characterized by an ostentatious display of dignity or importance:
   a pompous minor official.
2. ostentatiously lofty or high-flown:
   a pompous speech.
3. characterized by pomp, stately splendor, or magnificence.

• Late Latin pompōsus. See pomp, -ous
• Middle English 1325–75

pomp′ous•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. pretentious.
• 2. inflated, turgid, bombastic.