magniloquente
The English phrase bombastic can be translated into Italian as magniloquente.
The adjective magniloquente is used to describe speech or writing that is pompous, grandiloquent or high-sounding but contains little actual meaning.
Meaning: high-sounding but with little meaning (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
magniloquente is a direct cognate of the English word 'magniloquent', which is derived from the Latin words magnus (great) and loquens (speaking).
Did you know?
- The root of magniloquente, the Latin loquens, is the same ancestor for the English words 'eloquent' and 'ventriloquist'.
- The noun form magniloquenza is a staple of Italian political satire, specifically used to lampoon leaders who use ornate language to mask a lack of substance.
- The word magniloquente shares the same root as eloquente, but while one is a compliment to the speaker's skill, the other is a criticism of their pretension.
Examples in context
- Il discorso del politico era pomposo e privo di contenuto significativo.The politician's speech was bombastic and lacked meaningful content.
- Non sopporto le sue affermazioni sempre così sparate.I cannot stand his constantly bombastic statements.
- Il suo modo di parlare è così pomposo che sembra sempre cercare di impressionare gli altri.His way of speaking is so bombastic, it's like he's always trying to impress others.
- Il suo discorso era davvero magniloquente.His speech was truly bombastic.
- Non sopporto lo stile magniloquente dei politici.I cannot stand the bombastic style of politicians.
- Ha usato un tono magniloquente per impressionare tutti.He used a bombastic tone to impress everyone.
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are discussing a political speech they just heard.
- ChiaraCosa ne pensi di questo discorso, Matteo?What do you think of this speech, Matteo?
- MatteoLo trovo terribilmente magniloquente e vuoto.I find it terribly bombastic and empty.
- ChiaraHai ragione, non ha detto nulla di concreto.You are right, he didn't say anything concrete.
- MatteoSì, troppe parole difficili e poca sostanza.Yes, too many difficult words and little substance.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry magniloquente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
