THE FIRST WORD

bombastic

PRONUNCIATION:

(bom-BAS-tik) 

MEANING:

adjective: Pompous or pretentious (in speech or writing).

ETYMOLOGY:

From Old French bombace (cotton padding), from Latin bombax (cotton). Earliest documented use: 1704.

USAGE:

"Mr. Satya Nadella is a leader with a low-key style that differs from Mr. Ballmer's bombastic manner."
Nick Wingfield; Microsoft Names New Chief; The New York Times; Feb 4, 2014.