grandiose

adjective gran·di·ose \ˈgran-dē-ˌōs, ˌgran-dē-ˈ\

: seeming to be impressive or intended to be impressive but not really possible or practical

Full Definition of GRANDIOSE

: characterized by affectation of grandeur or splendor or by absurd exaggeration

: impressive because of uncommon largeness, scope, effect, or grandeur

— gran·di·ose·ly adverb

— gran·di·ose·ness noun

— gran·di·os·i·ty \ˌgran-dē-ˈä-sə-tē\ noun

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Origin of GRANDIOSE

French, from Italian grandioso, from grande great, from Latin grandis

First Known Use: 1838

Related to GRANDIOSE

Synonyms: august, baronial, epic, gallant, glorious, grand, heroic (also heroical), Homeric, imperial, imposing, magnific, magnificent, majestic, massive, monumental, noble, proud, regal, royal, splendid, stately

Antonyms: humble, unheroic, unimposing, unimpressive

Synonym Discussion of GRANDIOSE

grand, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, grandiose mean large and impressive. grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity <a grand staircase>. magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste <magnificent paintings>. imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness <an imposing edifice>. stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement <the stately procession>. majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur <a majestic waterfall>. grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience <grandiose hydroelectric projects> but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration <grandiose schemes>.