CultureAugust 15, 2026

ostentation

os-ten-TAY-shun

Definition

The act of displaying wealth, status, or knowledge in an exaggerated or pretentious way to attract notice or impress others.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'ostentare', meaning 'to display' or 'to exhibit,' which itself is a frequentative form of 'ostendere' (to show or stretch out before someone).

In the news

In the review, the term is used to describe how education sometimes loses its original purpose of equality when it transforms into a display of expensive clothing and institutional status, prioritizing superficial prestige over genuine learning.

Review of Vinodbabu Rizal's Short Story Collection 'Naibed'

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Ratopati

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