highfalutin

IPA/ˌhaɪfəˈluːtɪn/
KK[hˌaɪfəlˈutɪn]IPA/ˌhaɪfəˈluːtɪn/

highfalutin — adjective

  • highfalutinpositive
  • more highfalutincomparative
  • most highfalutinsuperlative

1. used to describe language, behaviour, or things that are meant to sound impressi

1.形容詞C1
釋義

used to describe language, behaviour, or things that are meant to sound impressive or important but seem silly or unnecessary because they are too grand for the situation.

例句

Caio thought the mayor's highfalutin speech was just empty words for the local crowd.

attributive use: highfalutin + speech

Amani refused to stay at the highfalutin hotel with the marble stairs and gold taps.

同義詞
  • pretentious

    more formal and broader in use; can describe people, art, writing

  • pompous

    focuses on self-importance and a solemn, overbearing tone

  • grandiose

    emphasises an exaggerated sense of scale or ambition

反義詞
  • humble

    simple and modest in manner or presentation

  • down-to-earth

    practical and unpretentious; informal like highfalutin

文法句型

highfalutin + noun

sound/look/be + highfalutin

用法筆記

Almost always used informally or critically. Often appears before nouns describing speech, writing, or style (speech, language, name, way of talking). The word carries a negative tone — calling something highfalutin means you think it is unnecessarily grand and faintly ridiculous.

常見錯誤

❌His highfalutin speech was truly impressive.
✅His highfalutin speech made everyone roll their eyes.
💡highfalutin is always critical; using it with approval contradicts the meaning.