How to pronounce ostentation
Say it like aw-sten-TAY-shun. Ostentation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ostentation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- aw
- sten
- TAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ostentation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- awGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- stenKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- TAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of ostentation
American and British speakers say ostentation in essentially the same way: /ˌɔstɛnˈteɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌɒstɛnˈteɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: os-ten-TAY-shun.
What does ostentation mean?
- Ambitious display; vain show; display intended to excite admiration or applause.
- A group of peafowl.
Where does ostentation come from?
Originated 1425–75 from late Middle English ostentacioun, borrowed from Middle French ostentation and its etymon Latin ostentātiō, ostentātiōnem, equivalent to ostentātus (past participle of ostentāre, to display or exhibit), frequentative
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with ostentation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ostentation.
Questions about saying ostentation
How do you pronounce ostentation?
Say aw-sten-TAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌɔstɛnˈteɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌɒstɛnˈteɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ostentation?
Ostentation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TAY). Broken into parts: aw · sten · TAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say ostentation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɔstɛnˈteɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌɒstɛnˈteɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.