- 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.
(adjective) Full of knots; or, figuratively, extremely difficult and complex, with no straightforward solution.
The lawyers spent weeks untangling the knotty language buried deep in the old property deed.