Definition

1. Noun:
   • A high-flown or extravagant style of speaking or writing; the use of long, impressive, or bombastic words, often to sound more important or intelligent than one is. Grandiloquence is characterized by language that is overly elaborate, pompous, or showy, often to the point of being insincere or difficult to understand.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The politician's speech was full of grandiloquence but lacked any concrete plans.
  • The author's grandiloquence made the simple topic seem unnecessarily complex.
  • He was known for his grandiloquence, often using five words where one would suffice.

Advanced Usage

• "To lapse into grandiloquence": to begin speaking or writing in an overly pompous or bombastic style.
  • Whenever he discusses philosophy, he tends to lapse into grandiloquence.
• "Empty grandiloquence": language that is pompous but devoid of real meaning or substance.
  • The critic dismissed the manifesto as mere empty grandiloquence.

Variants and Related Words

• Grandiloquent (adj): Using grandiloquence; pompous or bombastic in style.
  • His grandiloquent manner of speaking alienated his audience.
• Magniloquence (n): A synonym for grandiloquence, meaning lofty or high-flown language.

Synonyms

• Bombast: High-sounding language with little meaning.
• Pomposity: The quality of being self-important and using overly formal language.
• Rhetoric (in a pejorative sense): Language that is elaborate and impressive-sounding but often intended to deceive or persuade insincerely.
• Fustian: Inflated or turgid language in writing or speech.

Antonyms

• Plainness: The quality of being simple and clear.
• Conciseness: The quality of expressing much in few words.
• Simplicity: The quality of being easy to understand or uncomplicated in style.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing": A phrase from Shakespeare's that perfectly captures the essence of grandiloquence—language that is loud and impressive but ultimately meaningless.

Noun

1. high-flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation
   • the grandiosity of his prose
   • an excessive ornateness of language