/ senˈtenʃəs; NAmE / adjective
( formal , disapproving ) trying to sound important or intelligent, especially by expressing moral judgements
► sen·ten·tious·ly adverb
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin sententiosus , from sententia opinion, from sentire feel, be of the opinion. The original sense was full of meaning or wisdom , later becoming depreciatory.