pompous

the word 'pompous' traces its lineage to the greek 'pompē', which denoted a solemn religious or ceremonial procession. this term was adopted into latin as 'pompa', carrying the same sense of a splendid, stately parade. the latin adjective 'pomposus' was formed, meaning 'full of pomp' or 'splendid'. entering english via old french in the late 14th century, the word initially described things characterized by magnificent display. over time, the meaning shifted to describe people who adopt an exaggeratedly grand and self-important manner, metaphorically likening their behavior to the ostentatious spectacle of a formal procession.

Structure: pomp (procession) + ous (adjective suffix) pomp (from latin 'pompa', meaning a solemn procession or parade, from greek 'pompē', meaning a sending, escort, solemn procession). ous (a suffix forming adjectives from nouns, of latin origin via old french, meaning 'full of' or 'characterized by').