Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Ostentatious" (August 18, 2025)
Episode Overview
This episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, hosted by Peter Sokolowski, explores the adjective "ostentatious." The purpose is to expand listeners' vocabularies by delving into its meaning, etymology, usage, and examples, focusing on how the word conveys the conspicuous display of wealth, knowledge, or power.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Definition and Pronunciation
- Word: Ostentatious
- Spelling: O S T E N T A T I O U S
- Part of Speech: Adjective
- Meaning: Describes someone or something that displays wealth, knowledge, or power in a way intended to attract attention, admiration, or envy.
- Ostentatious things stand out because they're overly elaborate or conspicuous.
- Usage Quote:
“Ostentatious is an adjective. It describes someone or something that displays wealth, knowledge or power in a way that is meant to attract attention, admiration or envy.”
— Peter Sokolowski, 00:42
Example Usage in a Sentence
- Sample Sentence:
“Valentino presented a dizzying display at Paris Haute Couture Week, fusing the past and present in theatrical, ostentatious designs.”
— Peter Sokolowski, 01:03
Etymology and Roots
- Origin:
- Derived from the Latin verb ostentare, meaning “to display.”
- The related noun "ostentation" shares this root.
- Continued Relevance:
“The idea of display persists in the English word’s current use.”
— Peter Sokolowski, 01:22
Connotations and Typical Usage
- Visual Imagery:
- Often associated with luxurious or flashy objects—jewelry, mansions, buildings with marble columns.
- Lifestyle Example:
“Someone with an ostentatious lifestyle spends money in a way that makes it obvious they have a lot of it.”
— Peter Sokolowski, 01:43 - Negative Constructions:
- Used to communicate that something, while large or impressive, is not intended to show off.
“When used in negative constructions, as in, ‘the house is large but not ostentatious,’ the implication is that display isn't the point.”
— Peter Sokolowski, 01:54
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Being Looked At:
“People and things described as ostentatious seem to be practically begging to be looked at.”
— Peter Sokolowski, 01:31
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:42 — Introduction of today’s word: “ostentatious”; definition and spelling.
- 01:03 — Example sentence: Valentino and Paris Haute Couture Week.
- 01:22 — Origins of the word and connection to Latin “ostentare.”
- 01:31 — Explanation of the “display” concept.
- 01:43 — Contexts of use: luxurious objects, lifestyle.
- 01:54 — Negative usage and implied meanings.
Conclusion
Peter Sokolowski masterfully dissects the word “ostentatious,” providing clear definitions, historical background, usage examples, and insights into its everyday application. The episode blends educational value with engaging commentary, making “ostentatious” a memorable addition to any listener’s vocabulary.