Overview

Episode Theme:
The December 26, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day introduces listeners to the adjective "grandiose." The episode explores its meaning, use, connotation, and distinguishes it from similar words, all aimed at enriching vocabulary and promoting precise language.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pronunciation, Spelling, and Definition

[00:27]

• Word: grandiose (also pronounced grandiose)
• Spelling: G-R-A-N-D-I-O-S-E
• Definition:
  • An adjective, often used disapprovingly.
  • Describes something that appears or is intended to be impressive, but is either not feasible or not practical.

2. Usage Example

[00:27]

• Sentence from lithub.com:
  • "Henry VIII was a leader known for his grandiose presentation, a love of dramatic rhetoric and self promotion, and a fondness for blaming others. He carefully curated his image, issuing official portraits and closely managing public appearances. His reign concentrated power in one man and his obsessions."
  • This example illustrates how "grandiose" can characterize exaggerated self-presentation and impractical ambitions.

3. Comparison: “Grand” vs. “Grandiose”

[01:10]

• Distinction:
  • Both words describe something impressive in size, scope, or effect.
  • "Grand" brings dignity and positive connotation (e.g., "we had a grand time").
  • "Grandiose" carries a hint of pretension and excess.
• Memorable comparison:
  • "The difference between a grand plan for the city park and a grandiose one, for example, might be the difference between a tasteful fountain and a garden full of topiaries cut in the shapes of 19th century literary figures."
    • This highlights how grandiose often means "over the top" or unnecessarily showy.

4. Mnemonic Device

[01:45]

• Helpful tip:
  • "A helpful mnemonic might be that the extra letters in grandiose suggest that one's ideas, claims, promises, schemes or dreams — you get the idea — are a bit extra."
  • Memorable aid to distinguish it from "grand" and recall its connotation of exaggeration or impracticality.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On connotation:
  • "Grandiose often implies a whiff of pretension." (Peter Sokolowski, 01:21)
• On mnemonic:
  • "The extra letters in grandiose suggest that one's ideas, claims, promises, schemes or dreams you get the idea are a bit extra." (Peter Sokolowski, 01:46)
• Humorous comparison:
  • "The difference between a grand plan … and a grandiose one ... might be the difference between a tasteful fountain and a garden full of topiaries cut in the shapes of 19th century literary figures." (Peter Sokolowski, 01:34)

Timed Segment Highlights

• [00:27]: Word introduction, spelling, primary definition.
• [00:38]: Lithub.com example about Henry VIII, illustrating "grandiose" in context.
• [01:10]: Discussion of "grand" vs. "grandiose."
• [01:45]: Mnemonic device and distinguishing features.

Closing Notes

The episode offers a clear, engaging explanation of "grandiose," emphasizing its usually disapproving shade and suggesting practical ways to remember its meaning. Using vivid imagery and real-world examples, Merriam-Webster encourages listeners to choose words thoughtfully to convey just the right tone and intent.