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How to pronounce Ostentatious

How to Pronounce "Ostentatious"

Definition: How to say "Ostentatious" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

os-ten-tey-shuhs / ˌɒs tənˈteɪ ʃəs

How to say "Ostentatious" correctly

Here are some definitions of Ostentatious.

  • Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice
  • Intended to attract notice and impress others
  • Characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others
  • Showy; intended to attract notice
  • Conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible

Using Ostentatious correctly with these examples:

  • The wealthy socialite arrived at the event in an ostentatious fur coat.
  • The ostentatious display of wealth at the party made some guests uncomfortable.
  • Her ostentatious jewelry collection was the envy of everyone in the room.
  • The mansion was decorated in an ostentatious style, with gold accents and crystal chandeliers.
  • He drove an ostentatious sports car to show off his success.

Related words to Ostentatious:

Contentious, Ostensibly, Attentiveness, Attentiveness, Pestilence, Consentience,

Synonyms for Ostentatious

Showy, Flashy, Pretentious, Extravagant, Ostentatious, Gaudy, Flamboyant, Loud, Brash, Flashy,

Antonyms for Ostentatious

Modest, Simple, Unassuming, Understated, Humble,

Review Ostentatious
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Steps to improve your pronunciation

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Ostentatious‘:

  • Try to Break ‘Ostentatious’ down into each individual vowel, say it out loud whilst exaggerating each sound until you can consistently say it without making a mistake.
  • Record ‘Ostentatious‘ in a full sentence then listen back. You should be able to find all of your flaws quite easily.
  • Look up tutorials on Youtube or Google for how to pronounce ‘Ostentatious‘ accurately.
  • Focus on one accent: mixing multiple accents can sometimes confuse people, especially for beginners. So pick just one accent, perhaps English and stick to it!


A few more tips\techniques to enhance your pronunciation skills, we recommend adopt these techniques:

Practicing speech contraction in speech is common in the U.S. and is seen as a natural part of informal dialogue. For instance, altering “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is commonplace. Look into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for more insights.

Enhancing your intonation is essential for English fluency. The ways you use stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are crucial in communicating your message and feelings. A plethora of resources and videos on Youtube can aid you in understanding these elements to pronounce ‘Ostentatious’.

Engage with several Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer no-cost resources that tackle important language skills. Pronounce.tv is one more outstanding source for honing your pronunciation.

Copying native speakers can greatly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they articulate ‘Ostentatious’ and attempt to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it habitual.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily practice. Understanding and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you accurately articulate complex vocabulary.

Regularly use English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more comfortable you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, boosting your overall communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean if someone is ostentatious?

If someone is described as ostentatious, it means that they are excessively showy or extravagant in their behavior, appearance, or display of wealth. An ostentatious person often seeks attention and admiration by flaunting their possessions, achievements, or status in a way that is intended to impress others. This can manifest in various ways, such as wearing flashy or expensive clothing, driving luxury vehicles, or living in a lavish home. Overall, being ostentatious implies a desire to be noticed and admired for one’s material possessions or social standing, often to an excessive or unnecessary degree.

Is there a difference in the pronunciation of ‘ostentatious’ between formal and informal speech?

In general, the pronunciation of the word ‘ostentatious’ remains the same regardless of whether it is used in formal or informal speech. The word is typically pronounced as “os-ten-tay-shus,” with the stress on the second syllable. However, it is worth noting that in more casual or rapid speech, some individuals may slightly alter the pronunciation, such as saying “os-ten-tay-shus” or “os-ten-tay-shis.” These variations are more a result of individual accents or speech patterns rather than a formal versus informal distinction. Overall, the pronunciation of ‘ostentatious’ is consistent across different contexts, with minor variations depending on the speaker’s accent or regional dialect.

What is an example of ostentatious?

An example of ostentatious behavior could be a celebrity arriving at an event in a flashy, expensive sports car, wearing designer clothes covered in logos, and dripping with extravagant jewelry. This kind of display is meant to draw attention and impress others with their wealth and status. Another example could be someone throwing an elaborate, over-the-top party with excessive decorations, gourmet food, and entertainment, all to show off their affluence and social standing. Ostentatious behavior is characterized by a desire to flaunt one’s wealth or importance in a showy and conspicuous manner.

How do you use ostentatious in a sentence?

The word “ostentatious” is used to describe something that is characterized by a vulgar or excessive display of wealth, knowledge, or skill in an attempt to impress or attract attention. For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: “The millionaire’s ostentatious mansion featured gold-plated fixtures and marble floors.” This sentence illustrates how the word “ostentatious” is applied to describe something that is overly extravagant or showy in a way that is meant to flaunt wealth or status.

How do you pronounce ostentatious in American?

In American English, the word “ostentatious” is pronounced as “ah-stuhn-TAY-shuhs.” To break it down phonetically, the emphasis is on the second syllable “TAY,” with the first syllable pronounced as “ah-stuhn” and the final syllable as “shuhs.” When saying the word, it’s important to emphasize the “TAY” sound and make sure to enunciate each syllable clearly. Practice saying the word out loud and exaggerate the sounds to help you get comfortable with the pronunciation.

Is the pronunciation of ‘ostentatious’ the same in British English as it is in American English?

The pronunciation of “ostentatious” is generally the same in both British English and American English. The word is typically pronounced as “os-ten-tay-shus” in both dialects, with the stress on the second syllable. However, there may be slight variations in accent or emphasis on certain syllables depending on regional accents within each country. Overall, the pronunciation of “ostentatious” is consistent between British and American English, with the main difference being the accent or intonation used when saying the word.

Can you provide a synonym for the word ‘ostentatious’?

A synonym for the word ‘ostentatious’ is ‘showy’. When something is described as ostentatious, it means that it is characterized by a vulgar or pretentious display, often intended to impress or attract attention. Similarly, something that is described as showy is flashy, flamboyant, or extravagant in a way that is meant to draw notice or admiration. Both words convey the idea of being overly conspicuous or flamboyant in a way that may be seen as excessive or unnecessary.

In which context would you typically use the word ‘ostentatious’?

The word “ostentatious” is typically used to describe something that is showy, flashy, or designed to attract attention in a way that is meant to impress others. It is often used in a negative context to convey the idea of excessive or unnecessary display of wealth, luxury, or extravagance. For example, someone might be described as ostentatious if they drive a very expensive car solely to show off their wealth, or if they wear overly extravagant clothing to draw attention to themselves. In general, the term is used to criticize behaviors or objects that are seen as pretentious, flamboyant, or overly conspicuous.

What is the etymology of the term ‘ostentatious’?

The term ‘ostentatious’ comes from the Latin word ‘ostentatio’, which means a display or showing off. It is derived from the verb ‘ostentare’, meaning to display or exhibit. The word ‘ostentatious’ has been used in English since the 17th century to describe something that is characterized by a pretentious or conspicuous display, often to impress or attract attention. The term is typically used in a negative context to describe behavior or objects that are showy, extravagant, or intended to impress others with one’s wealth or importance.

What connotations does the word ‘ostentatious’ carry?

The word “ostentatious” carries negative connotations, implying a display of wealth, knowledge, or possessions that is meant to impress or attract attention in a showy or excessive manner. It often suggests a lack of subtlety, refinement, or sincerity, and can be seen as pretentious or vulgar. People or things described as ostentatious are often perceived as trying too hard to appear impressive or important, and may be viewed as shallow or insincere. Overall, the word “ostentatious” evokes a sense of extravagance and flamboyance that is often associated with superficiality or a lack of genuine substance.

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