pretentiously

Definitions

In a manner that attempts to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, or culture than is actually possessed.

Characterized by an ostentatious or showy display intended to appear more significant or sophisticated than reality.

Examples

He spoke pretentiously about his collection of rare wines, hoping to impress the guests at the dinner party.

The author wrote pretentiously, using overly complex vocabulary that obscured the simple message of the story.

Synonyms

pompously ostentatiously showily affectedly grandiosely haughtily snobbishly

Antonyms

modestly humbly unassuming simply naturally plainly genuinely