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pomposity

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pom⋅pos⋅i⋅ty

[pom-pos-i-tee]
–noun, plural -ties for 3.
1. the quality of being pompous.
2. pompous parading of dignity or importance.
3. an instance of being pompous, as by ostentatious loftiness of language, manner, or behavior.
Also, pomp⋅ous⋅ness [pom-puhs-nis] (for defs. 1, 2).


Origin:
1400–50; late ME pomposite < LL pompōsitās. See pompous, -ity
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pom·pous   (pŏm'pəs)   
adj.  
  1. Characterized by excessive self-esteem or exaggerated dignity; pretentious: pompous officials who enjoy giving orders.

  2. Full of high-sounding phrases; bombastic: a pompous proclamation.

  3. Chracterized by pomp or stately display; ceremonious: a pompous occasion.


[Middle English, from Old French pompeux, from Late Latin pompōsus, from Latin pompa, pomp; see pomp.]
pom·pos'i·ty (-pŏs'ĭ-tē), pom'pous·ness (-pəs-nĭs) n., pom'pous·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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