What does ostentation mean?
Ostentation is a formal word for conspicuous, often excessive display, especially of wealth, luxury, status, or importance. It describes behavior that is designed not merely to demonstrate something but to attract attention and impress observers. The term commonly carries criticism: to call an event or lifestyle ostentatious is to suggest that its grandeur is excessive, superficial, or intended as a performance of status. Ostentation can be used neutrally in some contexts, but its usual connotation is negative, distinguishing it from the more neutral words display and presentation. The word is especially associated with public displays of affluence and power, such as lavish parties, extravagant clothing, or ostentatious buildings. It is useful in formal writing when a speaker wants to identify a form of display as deliberately conspicuous rather than merely practical or attractive.
nounOstentation is the display of wealth, status, or importance in a way intended to attract attention, often more showy or extravagant than necessary.
- Ostentation refers to conspicuous display intended to attract attention, especially through wealth, luxury, status, or importance.
"The ostentation of the gala drew criticism from those who viewed it as excessive."
"His ostentation at the airport made the other passengers uncomfortable."
"The novel criticizes the ostentation of the wealthy family whose generosity is ultimately self-serving."
The plural is grammatically regular but uncommon.
"The architecture is remarkable, although its ostentions sometimes feel excessive."
Ostentation turns display into a performance: what is being shown matters, but so does the fact that everyone is watching.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ostentation come from?
Ostentation comes from the Latin ostentatio, meaning a display or exhibition, and ultimately from ostendere, meaning to show or present. English borrowed the noun in the early 17th century for displays intended to attract notice. The related adjective ostentatious developed from the same Latin root and preserves the word's modern association with conspicuous display.
Related word forms
How ostentation is actually used
The word is generally formal and carries a negative or critical connotation, suggesting that the display is excessive, ostentatious, or intended to impress others. It is less common in informal speech.
Easily confused with ostentation
Ostentation refers to conspicuous, often excessive display, whereas ostensible means appearing to be one thing while the true motive or nature may be different.
Presentation can refer neutrally to the act of showing or introducing something, while ostentation specifically suggests display that seeks attention or emphasizes status.