Ostentation

/ˌɑːstenˈteɪʃn/
noun

To show off wealth or possessions in a flashy or attention-seeking way.

The celebrity's ostentation was obvious with her wearing a diamond necklace to the casual event.
Visual representation of "ostentation" - To show off wealth or possessions in a flashy or attention-seeking way

Often appears as...

  • exhibit ostentation
  • ostentation of wealth

Usage tips

Disapproving

noun

An act or display designed to impress others.

The millionaire's charity donation was viewed as an act of ostentation rather than genuine kindness.
Visual representation of "ostentation" - An act or display designed to impress others

Often appears as...

  • act of ostentation
  • display of ostentation

Usage tips

Neutral

noun

To show off wealth or possessions in a flashy or attention-seeking way.

The celebrity's ostentation was obvious with her wearing a diamond necklace to the casual event.
Visual representation of "ostentation" - To show off wealth or possessions in a flashy or attention-seeking way

Often appears as...

  • exhibit ostentation
  • ostentation of wealth

Usage tips

Disapproving

noun

An act or display designed to impress others.

The millionaire's charity donation was viewed as an act of ostentation rather than genuine kindness.
Visual representation of "ostentation" - An act or display designed to impress others

Often appears as...

  • act of ostentation
  • display of ostentation

Usage tips

Neutral

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "ostentation"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Context Matters

Use 'ostentation' where showing wealth is seen negatively or is out of place.

Illustration for Context Matters
His ostentation was frowned upon at the charity event.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Sensitivity

Some cultures may view 'ostentation' differently; research to avoid misunderstandings.

Illustration for Cultural Sensitivity
In her culture, such ostentation was considered distasteful.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Negative Connotation

'Ostentation' often implies criticism; use cautiously to avoid offending.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Their wedding was beautiful but full of unnecessary ostentation.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Context Matters

Use 'ostentation' where showing wealth is seen negatively or is out of place.

Illustration for Context Matters
His ostentation was frowned upon at the charity event.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Sensitivity

Some cultures may view 'ostentation' differently; research to avoid misunderstandings.

Illustration for Cultural Sensitivity
In her culture, such ostentation was considered distasteful.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Negative Connotation

'Ostentation' often implies criticism; use cautiously to avoid offending.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Their wedding was beautiful but full of unnecessary ostentation.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Context Matters

Use 'ostentation' where showing wealth is seen negatively or is out of place.

Illustration for Context Matters
His ostentation was frowned upon at the charity event.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Sensitivity

Some cultures may view 'ostentation' differently; research to avoid misunderstandings.

Illustration for Cultural Sensitivity
In her culture, such ostentation was considered distasteful.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Negative Connotation

'Ostentation' often implies criticism; use cautiously to avoid offending.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Their wedding was beautiful but full of unnecessary ostentation.
Visual representation of the word "Ostentation"

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Video examples

How Syria's architecture...

From my point of view, the main focus should be on creating places that make their people feel they belong. Architecture and planning need to recapture some of the traditional values that did just that, creating the conditions for coexistence and peace, values of beauty that don't exhibit ostentation,

Video examples

How Syria's architecture...

From my point of view, the main focus should be on creating places that make their people feel they belong. Architecture and planning need to recapture some of the traditional values that did just that, creating the conditions for coexistence and peace, values of beauty that don't exhibit ostentation,

Example 1 of 1

Quote examples

Cesare Beccaria

Italian Judge

Unless some other factor is operative, in large, weak and underpopulated states, the luxury of ostentation prevails over that of comfort; but in countries which are more populous than extensive, the luxury of comfort always diminishes ostentation.
Portrait of Cesare Beccaria

Quote examples

William Penn

English Leader

Speak properly, and in as few words as you can, but always plainly; for the end of speech is not ostentation, but to be understood.
Portrait of William Penn

Quote examples

Riccardo Muti

Italian Celebrity

Nobility of spirit has more to do with simplicity than ostentation, wisdom rather than wealth, commitment rather than ambition.
Portrait of Riccardo Muti

Quote examples

Hanya Yanagihara

American Novelist

In Mumbai, the air is saltier. The sea is roilier. The traffic is snarlier. The pinks are pinker. The ostentation is crazier.
Portrait of Hanya Yanagihara

Quote examples

Jenny Eclair

Comedian

I don't do marriage. I think it's incredibly naff. And I don't like vulgar displays of ostentation.
Portrait of Jenny Eclair

Quote examples

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Roman Statesman

That which is given with pride and ostentation is rather an ambition than a bounty.
Portrait of Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Quote examples

John Locke

English Philosopher

Fashion for the most part is nothing but the ostentation of riches.
Portrait of John Locke

Quote examples

David Milch

American Producer

Ego suppression can be an act of ostentation.
Portrait of David Milch

Quote examples

Edwin Hubbel Chapin

American Clergyman

Ostentation is the signal flag of hypocrisy.
Portrait of Edwin Hubbel Chapin

Quote examples

Cesare Beccaria

Italian Judge

Unless some other factor is operative, in large, weak and underpopulated states, the luxury of ostentation prevails over that of comfort; but in countries which are more populous than extensive, the luxury of comfort always diminishes ostentation.
Portrait of Cesare Beccaria

Quote examples

William Penn

English Leader

Speak properly, and in as few words as you can, but always plainly; for the end of speech is not ostentation, but to be understood.
Portrait of William Penn

Quote examples

Riccardo Muti

Italian Celebrity

Nobility of spirit has more to do with simplicity than ostentation, wisdom rather than wealth, commitment rather than ambition.
Portrait of Riccardo Muti

Quote examples

Hanya Yanagihara

American Novelist

In Mumbai, the air is saltier. The sea is roilier. The traffic is snarlier. The pinks are pinker. The ostentation is crazier.
Portrait of Hanya Yanagihara

Quote examples

Jenny Eclair

Comedian

I don't do marriage. I think it's incredibly naff. And I don't like vulgar displays of ostentation.
Portrait of Jenny Eclair

Quote examples

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Roman Statesman

That which is given with pride and ostentation is rather an ambition than a bounty.
Portrait of Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Quote examples

John Locke

English Philosopher

Fashion for the most part is nothing but the ostentation of riches.
Portrait of John Locke

Quote examples

David Milch

American Producer

Ego suppression can be an act of ostentation.
Portrait of David Milch

Quote examples

Edwin Hubbel Chapin

American Clergyman

Ostentation is the signal flag of hypocrisy.
Portrait of Edwin Hubbel Chapin
Example 1 of 9
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