- Today's Word
Grandiloquence
gran-DIL-uh-kwuhns
Definition
- (noun) Lofty, extravagant, or pompous speech or expression, often intended to impress or appear sophisticated.
Example
His grandiloquence during the presentation seemed more focused on showcasing his vocabulary than addressing the actual topic at hand.
Fun Fact
“Grandiloquence” comes from the Latin roots grandis (meaning “grand”) and loqui (meaning “to speak”). The term emerged in the 16th century, initially as a neutral description of elevated rhetoric. Over time, it took on a more critical tone, often used to mock those who overuse elaborate language to seem important or intellectual. The word serves as a linguistic reminder that clarity and substance often outweigh verbal ornamentation.
(noun) A burden, duty, or responsibility—especially one that is difficult or unwelcome.
The onus of proving the theory fell on the scientists who proposed it.
From Latin onus, meaning “load” or “burden.”