Ostentational

Ostentational is an adjective used to describe something characterized by ostentation, or a display intended to attract notice or admiration. In practice, it refers to shows of wealth, status, or taste that are deliberately conspicuous and performative, rather than functional.

Etymology: The term derives from ostentation (from Latin ostentatio, from ostentare meaning to exhibit). The suffix -al yields "ostentational." The form is relatively rare in modern English, and its sense overlaps with the more common adjective ostentatious.

Usage: Because ostentational is uncommon, writers typically choose ostentatious, ostentation, or ostentatiously depending on the grammatical role. Ostentational is most likely to appear in formal or evaluative contexts, such as literary criticism or sociocultural analysis, describing displays, architecture, or language that seeks conspicuous effect. For example, one might discuss an ostentational display of wealth or a room decorated in an ostentational style.

See also: Ostentation; Ostentatious; Ostentatiously.