Speech or writing that sounds grand, impressive, or pompous; using big words in a way that seems exaggerated or intended to impress.
From Latin grandiloquus, combining grandis ('large') and loqui ('to speak'). The word entered English in the 16th century and originally described a specific rhetorical style, but took on a slightly negative connotation suggesting excessive or insincere grandness.
Shakespeare was a master of grandiloquence—his characters often use soaring, elaborate language at dramatic moments. The word itself sounds grand, which is clever: we use fancy language to describe fancy language! Many people find grandiloquence annoying because it prioritizes sound over sincerity.
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