OSTENTATIOUS


Meaning of OSTENTATIOUS in English

1.

If you describe something as ~, you disapprove of it because it is expensive and is intended to impress people. (FORMAL)

...an ~ wedding reception.

ADJ disapproval

2.

If you describe someone as ~, you disapprove of them because they want to impress people with their wealth or importance. (FORMAL)

Obviously he had plenty of money and was generous in its use without being ~...

ADJ disapproval

~ly

Her servants were similarly, if less ~ly attired.

ADV

3.

You can describe an action or behaviour as ~ when it is done in an exaggerated way to attract people’s attention.

His wife was fairly quiet but she is not an ~ person anyway.

ADJ: usu ADJ n

~ly

Harry stopped under a street lamp and ~ly began inspecting the contents of his bag.

ADV: usu ADV with v

Collins COBUILD.      Толковый словарь английского языка для изучающих язык Коллинз COBUILD (международная база данных языков Бирмингемского университета) .