Grandiloquence
Word of the Day
What is Grandiloquence?
noun
Pompous or extravagant language, style, or manner, especially in a way that is intended to impress.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to encourage elegance without excess.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The speech’s grandiloquence masked thin policy.
Editors trimmed grandiloquence to restore clarity.
His toast teetered between charm and grandiloquence.
Word Origins
Latin grandis “grand” + loqui “to speak”
Siblings include “eloquence” and “loquacious.”
First appearance in English: 17th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Adjective:
A grandiloquent preface tired readers.
-
Noun:
Her eloquence moved the room.
-
Adjective:
Bombastic claims drew ridicule.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: grandilocuencia
- French: grandiloquence
- German: Schwulst / hochtrabende Rede
- Italian: grandiloquenza
- Portuguese: grandiloquência
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Eloquence
Graceful persuasion; grandiloquence over-ornaments.
Magniloquence
Near-synonym; both are showy speech.
Bombast
Empty pomp; grandiloquence may still persuade.
Fun Facts
- “Sesquipedalian” diction often fuels grandiloquence.
- Rhetoric textbooks contrast eloquence with grandiloquence.
Cultural Usage
- Campaign rhetoric veers toward grandiloquence.
- Baroque prose flirted with grandiloquence.
Common Mistakes
Not “grandiloquent” as a noun; that’s the adjective.
Micro Story
Behind the grandiloquence lurked a simple plea for funding.