high-flown

[hahy-flohn]

adjective

1. extravagant in aims, pretensions, etc.

2. pretentiously lofty; bombastic.

   We couldn't endure his high-flown oratory.

   Synonyms: grandiloquent, magniloquent, flowery, florid

high-flown

adjective

1. extravagant or pretentious in conception or intention

   high-flown ideas

Word History and Origins

Origin of high-flown¹

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

When Dolores finally learns Vera has bequeathed her the entire estate, instead of expressing wistful gratitude, she breaks into a rage: “B***h! That malicious, high-flown, harping b***h.”

From Salon

Cinema purists have a tendency to speak of the theatrical experience in such high-flown spiritual terms.

From Los Angeles Times

The jovial candid photos of the leaders and their high-flown speeches amply testified to the event’s momentousness.

From New York Times

That kind of high-flown ambition, applied not just to revitalizing military defense but to succoring refugees, Stamp said, would “confront Vladimir Putin with something he doesn’t know: humanity.”

From Washington Post

Just before it began, he sent a high-flown letter to The Times, which had once pontificated that “the hanging of a few of the desperados engaged in this business would have a salutary effect.”

From Los Angeles Times