adj. 1. Characterized by excessive self-esteem or exaggerated dignity; pretentious: pompous officials who enjoy giving orders. 2. Full of high-sounding phrases; bombastic: a pompous proclamation. 3. Archaic Characterized by pomp or stately display: a pompous occasion. [Middle English, from Old French pompeux, from Late Latin pompōsus, from Latin pompa, pomp; see POMP.] pom·posi·ty (-pŏsĭ-tē), pompous·ness (-pəs-nĭs) n. pompous·ly adv. |
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