What does ostentatious mean?
Ostentatious is an adjective describing behavior, appearance, or displays that are conspicuously elaborate, flashy, or designed to attract attention. It commonly implies a public display of wealth, status, importance, or style, and it often carries a critical judgment that the display is excessive or self-conscious. For example, an ostentatious entrance may involve expensive clothing, theatrical gestures, and a deliberately dramatic setting. The word is used in both British and American English and can describe formal ceremonies, fashion, architecture, luxury goods, personal behavior, or online self-presentation. Although some displays may be admired for their visual impact, the word generally carries more skepticism than flamboyant or conspicuous. Its usefulness lies in identifying not merely something noticeable, but something made visible as a performance of importance or prestige.
adjectiveOverly conspicuous or flashy, especially in a way intended to attract attention or display wealth, status, or importance.
- Overly conspicuous or flashy, especially in a way intended to attract attention or display wealth, status, or importance.
"The ceremony was an ostentatious display of gold, elaborate costumes, and ceremonial excess."
"The redesigned lobby was ostentatious, with polished marble, oversized lighting, and velvet seating."
"Rather than ostentatious excess, the design relies on a few carefully chosen details and restrained materials."
From Latin ostendere, meaning “to show,” ostentatious describes a display staged for attention—whether by admirers, critics, or both.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ostentatious come from?
Ostentatious entered English in the early 17th century from the Latin adjective ostentatiosus, meaning “showy” or “displaying for effect.” It is related to ostentare, “to display,” and ultimately to ostendere, “to show.” The English noun ostentation and words such as ostensibly and ostensible belong to the same broader Latin root family.
Related word forms
How ostentatious is actually used
The word is commonly evaluative and often carries a negative or critical implication. It can also be used descriptively in discussions of fashion, art, architecture, or ceremonial display, especially when conspicuousness itself is the subject.
Easily confused with ostentatious
Ostentatious describes something conspicuously intended to attract attention, whereas ostensible means apparent or outwardly presented as true, whether or not it really is.
Ostentatious emphasizes conspicuous display, while pretentious more specifically suggests affected claims to status, taste, or importance.