We all enjoy a little flair—style, success, or beauty expressed with confidence. But when expression turns into excess, and confidence slips into showiness, it becomes ostentatious. This word captures the kind of display that’s more about attracting attention than authentic substance.
What Does “Ostentatious” Mean?
Ostentatious (adjective):
- Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice, often excessively.
Examples:
- “His ostentatious car, complete with gold rims and tinted windows, turned every head—but not always in admiration.”
- “She wore an ostentatious necklace to a simple brunch, drawing more attention than the occasion called for.”
- “The company’s lobby was ostentatious, with marble floors and crystal chandeliers.”
Etymology: Show for Show’s Sake
“Ostentatious” comes from the Latin ostentare, meaning “to display or show off.” It carries an implication of intentionality—the act of deliberately drawing attention, often to wealth, status, or power.
Ostentatious vs. Elegant vs. Gaudy
- Elegant implies refined, tasteful display.
- Gaudy suggests poor taste or excessive decoration.
- Ostentatious lies somewhere in between—flashy, but sometimes with deliberate intent to impress, whether tastefully or not.
Where It Shows Up
1. Fashion & Lifestyle
Luxury brands, oversized jewelry, or extravagant parties often toe the line between elegance and ostentation.
2. Wealth & Status
People sometimes make ostentatious purchases—homes, cars, vacations—to project success rather than live comfortably.
3. Behavior
Even speech can be ostentatious—using big words or dropping names to sound more important than necessary.
Final Thought
Being noticed isn’t a crime, but seeking attention for attention’s sake often speaks more of insecurity than confidence. The opposite of ostentatious is understated charm—the kind of quiet confidence that needs no grand display to be seen or respected.