First Known Use: 1838
Dictionary
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
1
: characterized by affectation of grandeur or splendor or by absurd exaggeration
2
: 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
See grandiose defined for English-language learners
See grandiose defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of GRANDIOSE
French, from Italian grandioso, from grande great, from Latin grandis
Related to GRANDIOSE
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>.
GRANDIOSELY Defined for Kids
grandiose
adjective gran·di·ose \ˈgran-dē-ˌōs\
Definition of GRANDIOSE for Kids
: overly grand or exaggerated <He would … fire his warriors with grandiose schemes and wild ideas. — Brian Jacques, Redwall>
Medical Dictionary
grandiose
adjective gran·di·ose \ˈgran-dē-ˌōs, ˌgran-dē-ˈ\
Medical Definition of GRANDIOSE
: characterized by affectation of grandeur or splendor or by absurd exaggeration <a paranoid patient with grandiose delusions>
—gran·di·ose·ly adverb
—gran·di·os·i·ty \ˌgran-dē-ˈäs-ət-ē\ noun, plural gran·di·os·i·ties
Learn More About GRANDIOSE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: grandiosoPrevious Word in the Dictionary: grand inquisitorAll Words Near: grandiose
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up grandiose? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).