ostentatiousness

Ostentatiousness is the quality or behavior of displaying wealth, power, or social status in a showy, exaggerated manner intended to attract attention. The adjective ostentatious derives from the Latin ostentare, to display, through Old French and Middle French forms such as ostentatoire; the noun ostentation shares the same lineage.

Characteristics commonly include conspicuous consumption, elaborate clothing or jewelry, ornate architecture, or performative acts that advertise status. The displays may be public or private, but are designed to be observed by others and to signal group membership, success, or prestige.

In sociology and psychology, ostentatiousness can function as a social signal in competitive environments. Modern examples include luxury branding, high-end events, or social media posts that showcase affluence. Some observers attribute such behavior to vanity or insecurity, while others view it as a cultural or strategic phenomenon.

Critics see ostentatiousness as wasteful and corrosive to social values, reinforcing inequality and materialism. Proponents may argue that visibility can fundraise, attract attention to causes, or reflect genuine achievement. In philanthropy, acts may be perceived as ostentatious even when yielding beneficial outcomes.

Related concepts include conspicuous consumption, signaling theory, vanity, and materialism.