Altiloquent

/ælˈtɪləkwənt/ adjective

Definition

Speaking in a grandiose, elevated, or pompous manner; characterized by lofty-sounding but often empty or insincere language.

Etymology

From Latin altus (high) and loquens (speaking), with the adjective suffix -ent, describing someone who speaks in an elevated or high manner, often excessively so.

Kelly Says

An altiloquent speaker is doing what we might call 'verbal peacocking'—dressed-up words designed to impress rather than communicate, a behavior psychology suggests comes from insecurity masked by verbosity.

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