As adjectives the difference between pretentious and pompous
is that
pretentious is marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction while
pompous is affectedly grand, solemn or self-important.
pretentious English
Alternative forms
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Adjective
( en adjective)
Marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction.
- Their song titles are pretentious in the context of their basic lyrics.
Ostentatious; intended to impress others.
- Her dress was obviously more pretentious than comfortable.
Synonyms
* poseur
* See also
Antonyms
* unpretentious
Derived terms
* pretentiously
* pretentiousness
Related terms
* pretend
* pretender
* pretense
* pretension
References
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pompous English
Adjective
( en adjective)
Affectedly grand, solemn or self-important.
* 1848, , Bantam Classics (1997), 16:
- "Not that the parting speech caused Amelia to philosophise, or that it armed her in any way with a calmness, the result of argument; but it was intolerably dull, pompous , and tedious; and having the fear of her schoolmistress greatly before her eyes, Miss Sedley did not venture, in her presence, to give way to any ebullitions of private grief."
Synonyms
* conceited
* smug
* See also
Antonyms
* humble
* modest
* self-effacing
Related terms
* pomp
* pomposity
* pompously
External links
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