grandiloquence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Critical
Quick answer
What does “grandiloquence” mean?
Pompous or extravagant language.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Pompous or extravagant language; the use of long, high-sounding words.
Speech or writing that is intended to sound impressive and important but is often perceived as overblown, bombastic, or insincere due to its excessive complexity or loftiness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or usage.
Connotations
Identical negative connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and formal in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “grandiloquence” in a Sentence
The grandiloquence of [NP]to be full of grandiloquenceto descend into grandiloquenceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grandiloquence” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His grandiloquent pronouncements failed to impress the practical committee.
- The proposal was buried under grandiloquent jargon.
American English
- The senator's grandiloquent speech was short on specific policy details.
- Avoid grandiloquent language in your cover letter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used critically to describe overly complex mission statements or CEO communications seen as lacking substance.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, rhetoric, and political science to analyse style deemed pompous or artificially elevated.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not a technical term in most fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grandiloquence”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grandiloquence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grandiloquence”
- Using it as a positive synonym for 'eloquence'.
- Confusing it with 'grandeur', which relates to impressive size or scope, not style of language.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost exclusively negative. It implies that the language is pretentious, overblown, and used to impress rather than to communicate clearly.
'Eloquence' is the powerful, fluent, and persuasive use of language (positive). 'Grandiloquence' is the pompous, bombastic, and overly complex use of language intended to sound impressive (negative).
Yes, it applies to any use of language—spoken, written, or even formal communication—that is characterised by a pompous, high-flown style.
The adjective is 'grandiloquent'. A person or their style of communication can be described as grandiloquent.
Pompous or extravagant language.
Grandiloquence is usually formal, literary, critical in register.
Grandiloquence: in British English it is pronounced /ɡrænˈdɪl.ə.kwəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡrænˈdɪl.ə.kwəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GRAND, ILLOQUENT (eloquent) speaker whose GRAND words are too ILL (bad) – grand-ill-oquence.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS ARCHITECTURE (building grandiose structures with words), LANGUAGE IS CLOTHING (dressing simple ideas in ornate verbal garments).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of grandiloquence?