Sesquipedalianism

Sesquipedalianism is the practice of using long words; it is often characterized by verbose and complex language that may obscure meaning rather than enhance communication. This linguistic phenomenon can be found in various contexts, including literature, academia, and rhetoric, where the speaker or writer opts for polysyllabic vocabulary in an attempt to demonstrate erudition or impress an audience, sometimes at the risk of clarity and accessibility.

Sesquipedalianism meaning with examples

• In his sesquipedalianism, the professor often lost students’ interest, as they struggled to keep up with his labyrinthine vocabulary while trying to grasp the fundamental concepts of the lecture. Despite his intentions to educate, his excessive use of lengthy words created a barrier between him and his audience, leading to confusion and disconnection.
• During the debate, her sesquipedalianism became a talking point, as opponents pointed out that the use of unnecessarily complex vocabulary detracted from the key issues at stake. While she aimed to present herself as knowledgeable, many felt that clarity of thought was more important than demonstrating a mastery of obscure terminology.
• He published an article rife with sesquipedalianism, aiming to impress his peers in the academic community. However, rather than garnering acclaim for his extensive lexical choices, he attracted ridicule for his inability to communicate his findings succinctly. Ultimately, his verbosity overshadowed the value of his research.
• At the literary soirée, attendees marveled at her talent for sesquipedalianism, applauding her elaborate language. Yet, a few whispered among themselves, questioning if her eloquent speech merely masked a lack of substantive ideas. As they discussed the fine line between prose artistry and obfuscation, the evening took on an amusing yet critical tone.