grandiose
UK[ˈɡrændiəʊs]US[ˈɡrændioʊs]
adj
seeming very impressive or trying to seem very impressive, but not really possible or practical
adj
(of buildings, art, etc.) large and impressive
Morpheme Breakdown
grand
iose
grand
large, great
iose
full of, characterized by
Etymology
the word 'grandiose' entered english in the early 19th century, borrowed directly from the french 'grandiose', which itself was formed from the italian 'grandioso'. its core component, 'grand-', traces back to the latin adjective 'grandis', signifying large, great, or mature. the suffix '-iose' (via french and italian from latin '-iosus') imparts the meaning of being characterized by or full of a particular quality. therefore, the literal construction 'full of greatness' evolved semantically to describe something impressively large or ambitious, often with the critical connotation of being exaggerated or unrealistically magnificent.
Analysis
Structure: grand (large, great) + iose (full of, characterized by)
'grand' originates from latin 'grandis', meaning large, great, full-grown. '-iose' is an english suffix derived from latin '-iosus', meaning full of, characterized by, having the quality of.
Examples
the dictator was known for his grandiose plans and monumental building projects.
she dismissed his speech as mere grandiose rhetoric with no substance.
the palace's grandiose architecture was intended to overwhelm visitors with a sense of power.