pretentious

pretentious (prɪˈtɛnʃəs)

—*adj*
1.	making claim to distinction or importance, esp undeservedly
2.	having or creating a deceptive outer appearance of great worth; ostentatious

pre'tentiously

—*adv*

pre'tentiousness

—n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

pretentious

1845, from Fr. prétentieux (17c.), from prétention "pretension," from M.L. pretentionem (nom. pretentio) "pretension," from L.L. prætensus "pretend" (see pretense).

Example sentences

It's robust and direct-the opposite of gaudy, pretentious language.

It is suspicious of anything elegant or stylish or pretentious.

The story is laughably incoherent, which would be less bothersome if the movie

were not also so unremittingly pretentious.

In my opinion, she doesn't give off a good vibe, and she seems kind of bossy

and pretentious.

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Matching Quote

"Quotation ... A writer expresses himself in words that have been used before because they give his meaning better than he can give it himself, or because they are beautiful or witty, or because he expects them to touch a cord of association in his reader, or because he wishes to show that he is learned and well read. Quotations due to the last motive are invariably ill-advised; the discerning reader detects it and is contemptuous; the undiscerning is perhaps impressed, but even then is at the same time repelled, pretentious quotations being the surest road to tedium."

-Henry W. Fowler