bombast in English
- bombast⇄adj. bombastic.
- bombast⇄bombast, noun, adjective.
- bombast⇄noun 1a. showy or high-flown language that is without much meaning.
Ex. A few plain facts are better than a lot of bombast.
b. overstatement; tall talk.
2. cotton wool used to stuff or pad garments.
bombast in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
bombast in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
bombast in Konkani कोंकणी
bombast in Sindhi سنڌي
bombast in Telugu తెలుగు
Bombast
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈbɒmbæst/
Definitions
1. Language that is high-sounding but with little meaning, used to impress others.
2. Pompous or pretentious speech or writing intended to impress or persuade.
Usage Examples
1. "His speech was filled with bombast, yet lacked any real substance."
2. "The politician's bombast did little to address the actual issues at hand."
Etymology
The word 'bombast' originated in the late 16th century from the French word 'bombace', which means cotton or cotton padding, referring to something that is inflated or exaggerated. Over time, it began to refer to inflated speech or writing that was meant to appear impressive but was ultimately shallow.
Synonyms
- Grandiloquence
- Pomp
- Wordiness
- Bluster
- Inflated language
Antonyms
- Plainness
- Simplicity
- Modesty
- Directness
- Conciseness
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Palabrería | /pa.la.βɾeˈɾi.a/ |
| French | Vaines paroles | /vɛ̃ pɑˈʁɔl/ |
| German | Wortgeklingel | /vɔʁtɡəˈklɪŋəl/ |
| Italian | Vanità | /vaˈnita/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 夸张的言辞 | /kuāzhāng de yáncí/ |
| Hindi | हवाबाज़ी | /havaa-baazī/ |
| Bengali | বক্তৃতার ফুলঝুরি | /bôktritar phuljuri/ |
| Arabic | بلاغة فارغة | /balaːɣa fāriɣa/ |
| Russian | Пустые слова | /pustyje slova/ |
| Japanese | 空虚な言葉 | /kūkyona kotoba/ |
| Korean | 허풍 | /heopung/ |
| Portuguese | Palavras vazias | /paˈla.vɾɐz vaˈzi.ɐs/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
Pronunciations may vary slightly depending on regional accents. For example, in British English, the "a" in bombast may be pronounced more sharply, while in American English, it may sound softer.
Historical Usage
'Bombast' was originally used to describe the soft cotton padding used in clothing, but it gradually took on its modern meaning of inflated or pretentious speech in the early 17th century. The term was frequently used in the context of literature and public speaking, especially to describe rhetoric that was overly ornate without substance.
Cultural Nuances
The use of bombast is often associated with politics and public speeches, where speakers may employ inflated language to persuade or impress an audience. While bombast may be effective in terms of attracting attention, it is often criticized for lacking sincerity or real substance. In some cultures, bombast is seen as a sign of leadership or authority, while in others, it is viewed as a sign of weakness or deceit.
More Information
Bombast has long been a feature of rhetoric, used by speakers seeking to assert dominance or persuade through excessive exaggeration. While it can sometimes create an illusion of power or influence, bombast is often seen as an empty, manipulative tool that lacks the weight of genuine argument or substance. In modern usage, it is mostly considered a negative trait, particularly when used to cover up a lack of knowledge or to divert attention from more important issues.