different between pompous vs lordly

English

Etymology

From Middle English pompous, from Old French pompeux, from Late Latin pomposus, from Latin pompa (“pomp”), from Ancient Greek ????? (pomp?, “a sending, a solemn procession, pomp”), from ????? (pémp?, “I send”). Doublet of pomposo.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?p?mp?s/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /?p?mp?s/

Adjective

pompous (comparative more pompous, superlative most pompous)

1. Affectedly grand, solemn or self-important.
   • 1848, Thackeray, William Makepeace, Vanity Fair, Bantam Classics (1997), 16:

     "Not that the parting speech caused Amelia to philosophise, or that it armed her in any way with a calmness, the result of argument; but it was intolerably dull, pompous, and tedious; and having the fear of her schoolmistress greatly before her eyes, Miss Samuel did not venture, in her presence, to give way to any ebullitions of private grief."

Synonyms

• conceited
• smug
• See also Thesaurus:arrogant

Antonyms

• humble
• modest
• self-effacing

Related terms

• pomp
• pomposity
• pompously

Translations

Further reading

• pompous in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• pompous in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• pompous at OneLook Dictionary Search

English

Alternative forms

• Lordly

Etymology

From Middle English louerdlich, lordlyche, lordeliche, from Old English hl?fordl?? (“lordly; heroic; noble”), equivalent to lord +? -ly.

The adverb is from Middle English lordly, lordely, lordliche.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?l??(?)dli/

Adjective

lordly (comparative lordlier or more lordly, superlative lordliest or most lordly)

1. Of or relating to a lord.

   Show us your lordly might: demonstrate that you can order people and get them to obey.

   • 1880, John Nichols, The Gentleman's Magazine - Volume 248 - Page 60:

     But they are the peers of the Queensland Parliament, and, having no lordly robes, must approach the Old Country model as closely as possible.

   • 2006, Steve Wharton, Screening Reality - Page 104:

     [...] in that some form of duty and sacrifice (here, participation in the 1848 Revolution and a recognition of his lordly duty) is not only beneficially character- forming but also leads ultimately to a condition which is 'sublime'.

   • 2011, Thomas Smith, C. Matthew McMahon, Therese B. McMahon, Select Memoirs of the English and Scottish Divines: - Page 282:

     Samson, in reply to this, says, “If you are not lordly, nor value your lordly title, as you tell me, and I trust in truth and sincerity, shall I call you a phoenix?

   • 2011, Mary Jane Staples, Appointment At The Palace: An Adams Family Saga Novel - Page 275:

     [...] he's still got his lordly habits, and more so since coming out of the war as a general.' 'A colonel, Sammy,' said Rachel. 'Same thing, good as,' said Sammy. 'Boots, of course, does wear his lordly crown with style,' said Rachel. 'Don't I know it?

2. Having the qualities of a lord; lordlike; noble
3. Appropriate for, or suitable to, a lord; glorious.
   • 1849, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, In Memorium A. H. H.

     The maidens gathered strength and grace / And presence, lordlier than before.
4. Proud; haughty; imperious; insolent.

Derived terms

• lordliness

Translations

Adverb

lordly (comparative lordlier, superlative lordliest)

1. In the manner of a lord. Showing command or nobility.
   • 1891, Sir Edwin Arnold, The Light of the World: Or, The Great Consummation,^[1] Book I — “Mary Magdalene”, Funk & Wagnalls, page 56,

     […] / And Herod's painted pinnaces, ablaze / With lamps, and brazen shields and spangled slaves, / Came and went lordly at Tiberias; / […]

Anagrams

• drolly