Ostentatiousness

Ostentatiousness refers to the conspicuous display of wealth, knowledge, or status, often done to impress others and attract attention. It's a deliberate and exaggerated exhibition, sometimes bordering on vulgarity, intended to showcase one's perceived superiority. This behavior often involves lavish spending, boasting, and the pursuit of status symbols, driven by a desire for admiration and validation from others. It implies an excessive focus on outward appearances and social standing rather than genuine worth or intrinsic qualities.

Ostentatiousness meaning with examples

• Her new mansion, with its gold-plated fixtures and sprawling gardens, was the epitome of ostentatiousness, attracting both envy and disdain from her neighbors. It was clear she wanted to demonstrate her wealth in a flashy way. The grand scale made it impossible to ignore her material successes, whether people liked it or not.
• The politician's campaign, filled with expensive commercials and lavish rallies, was criticized for its ostentatiousness, as it seemed more focused on personal aggrandizement than addressing the concerns of the voters. Voters were put off by the constant self-promotion and expensive branding.
• The art collector's home was filled with priceless paintings and sculptures, arranged with meticulous care to maximize their impact, reflecting a certain level of ostentatiousness; the collection acted as a way for them to show off their status, as well as a clear indication of wealth.
• During the parade, the royal family's carriage, adorned with jewels and driven by gilded horses, displayed a level of ostentatiousness that seemed out of touch with the everyday lives of the citizens. The event made the family look as though they were showing off rather than providing a service.
• Rejecting the prevalent trends, the minimalist movement challenged the ostentatiousness of conspicuous consumption, advocating for simplicity and practicality instead of extravagance and showing off. The rejection was clear; keep it simple and ditch the waste.