YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

bombastic

Adjective

IPA /bɒmˈbæstɪk/

Understand it. Say it. Use it.

UNDERSTAND THE WORD

Meaning in plain English

Using grand, impressive-sounding language that contains little clear meaning.

SAY IT ALOUD

Pronunciation

bombastic/bɒmˈbæstɪk/

PICTURE THE IDEA

See the meaning

Compare

A speech uses grand, impressive words
The speech contains little substance
Listeners still lack a clear message

Bombastic language sounds grand but says little of real value.

SEE IT IN EVERYDAY ENGLISH

Examples in context

Read the examples aloud. Notice how the word fits the sentence, then think of a situation of your own.

His bombastic speech made a simple birthday toast feel endless.
The editor replaced bombastic phrases with clear statements.

MAKE IT STICK

Quick word quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the word?

Complete the example using the word from this lesson.

His ________ speech made a simple birthday toast feel endless.

Show the answer

bombastic — Using grand, impressive-sounding language that contains little clear meaning.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “bombastic” about your own life.

Your sentence (optional)

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

Using grand, impressive-sounding language that contains little clear meaning.

Compare: His bombastic speech made a simple birthday toast feel endless.

Check the spelling and how the word fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.

This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.

Word origin

From bombast, which originally referred to cotton padding before becoming a word for inflated speech.

Did you know?

Bombastic often describes speeches, claims or a style of writing.

Explore related words

Open a word’s lesson when available, or explore entries that use the related term.

Make the word your own

Say the word aloud and read an example sentence.
Write a new sentence about something familiar to you.
Cover the meaning and try explaining the word in your own words.

Continue with the app’s practice check, then try a sentence of your own to mark this word complete.

Practise this word in the app

Completion and saved words stay in this browser on this device.