Pompous
mediumNegative tonePOM-pus
adjective
Definition
Affectedly and irritatingly grand or self-important
Memory hook
Full of POMP and ceremony about themselves — irritatingly self-important.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The pompous professor lectured condescendingly.”
“His pompous manner alienated colleagues.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ professor lectured condescendingly.”
Show answer
pompous
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Pompous is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "pretentious" or "grandiose" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "humble".
Related GRE Words
grandiose
Impressive or magnificent but often exaggerated or pretentious
pretentious
Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance than actually possessed
haughty
Arrogantly superior; disdainfully proud
supercilious
Behaving as though one is superior to others
condescending
Having or showing an attitude of patronizing superiority
contemptuous
Showing contempt; scornful; disdainful
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