Pomp Meaning
/ˈpɒmp/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounShow of magnificence; parade; display; power.
nounA procession distinguished by ostentation and splendor; a pageant.
Sentence Examples
Tom celebrated his fortieth birthday the other day, without pomp or ceremony.
The new bishop was installed with much pomp and circumstance.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The royal wedding was filled with great ____ and ceremony that impressed everyone.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The coronation was conducted with great ____ and ceremony, watched by millions around the world.
Word Origin & History
The noun is derived from Middle English pomp, pompe, from Old French pompe, from Latin pompa (“pomp”), from Ancient Greek πομπή (pompḗ, “a sending, a solemn procession, pomp”), from πέμπω (pémpō, “to send”). The verb is derived from Middle English pompen, from pomp, pompe (see above).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"'Tis a gross visible errour, which Tertullian teaches in his Book of Idolatry cap. 18. That all the marks of Dignity and Power, and all the ornaments annexed to Office, are forbid Christians, and that Jesus Christ hath plac'd all these things amongst the pomps of the Devil, since he himself appeared in a condition so far from all pomp and splendour."
— 1698, Pierre Nicole, “A person of quality”, in Moral Essayes, Contain'd in Several Treatises on Many Important Duties., volume I, page 95:
"The deafening claps of thunder and the dazzling flashes of lightning which lit up the ghastly scene testified that the artillery of heaven had lent its supernatural pomp to the already gruesome spectacle."
— 1922 February, James Joyce, “[Episode 12: The Cyclops]”, in Ulysses, Paris: Shakespeare and Company, […], →OCLC:
"In its pomp Victoria had 17 platforms, but many of the through platforms were demolished in the early 1990s to make way for the Manchester Arena."
— 2019 November 6, “1901 tramcar joins Manchester Victoria celebrations”, in Rail, page 25:
"[…] a more beautiful expression of joy and thanksgiving than could have been exhibited by all the pomps of a Roman triumph."
— 1713, Joseph Addison, The Guardian:
"pomp'd for those hard trifles"
— a. 1638 (date written), Benjamin Jonson [i.e., Ben Jonson], “Under-woods. Consisting of Divers Poems. (please specify the poem)”, in The Workes of Benjamin Jonson. The Second Volume. […] (Second Folio), London: […] Richard Meighen, published 1640, →OCLC:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The royal wedding was filled with great ____ and ceremony that impressed everyone.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The coronation was conducted with great ____ and ceremony, watched by millions around the world.