grandiose

Pronunciation: /ɡɹæn.diˈəʊs/

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective impressive because of unnecessary largeness or grandeur; used to show disapproval
  2. adjective affectedly genteel

Etymology

From French grandiose, from Italian grandioso, from Latin grandis (“great, grand”) (English grand). Possibly from grand + -ose, though to be debated. Doublet of grandioso.

In classic literature

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