adj

grandiose

gran-dee-OHS

Grandiose (adj) means Extremely ambitious or impressive in scale. Example: “He unveiled a grandiose plan to redevelop the entire waterfront.”

adj

Extremely ambitious or impressive in scale.

"He unveiled a grandiose plan to redevelop the entire waterfront."

Pompous or overblown, more showy than genuinely impressive.

"Critics mocked the grandiose title sequence as pretentious."

How to use grandiose

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBig and impressive-sounding, often with a hint that it is overdone or unrealistic.

Common mistake

Unlike plain "grand," grandiose usually carries a negative or skeptical tone, suggesting the scale is exaggerated or pretentious.

Common pairings

grandiose plan grandiose scheme grandiose vision

Word forms

more grandiose comparative, most grandiose superlative

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He unveiled a _____ plan to redevelop the entire waterfront.

Etymology

From French grandiose, from Italian grandioso, ultimately from Latin grandis, "great."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for grandiose

rose nose lose dose pose Jose hose Bose close moose whose goose

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Frequently asked questions

What does “grandiose” mean?

The word “grandiose” means extremely ambitious or impressive in scale. In plain terms, big and impressive-sounding, often with a hint that it is overdone or unrealistic.

How do you pronounce “grandiose”?

“Grandiose” is pronounced gran-dee-OHS (/ɡɹæn.diˈəʊs/ in IPA).

How do you use “grandiose” in a sentence?

Here is “grandiose” used in a sentence: “He unveiled a grandiose plan to redevelop the entire waterfront.”

What part of speech is “grandiose”?

“Grandiose” is an adjective.

Where does the word “grandiose” come from?

The word “grandiose” comes from Latin. From French grandiose, from Italian grandioso, ultimately from Latin grandis, "great.".

How many meanings does “grandiose” have?

“Grandiose” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extremely ambitious or impressive in scale.