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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

bumptious

IPA:

How to pronounce bumptious (audio)

Dictionary definition of bumptious

Overly self-assertive or arrogant, often in an offensive or aggressive way.
"The bumptious guest monopolized the conversation at the dinner party."

Detailed meaning of bumptious

Someone who is bumptious tends to overestimate their own importance, skills, or abilities and may act in a way that suggests they believe they are superior to others. This behavior can manifest in various forms, such as interrupting others, speaking too loudly, or being boastful and condescending. Overall, a bumptious person is one who lacks self-awareness and social skills, and their behavior often results in making others feel uncomfortable or annoyed.

Example sentences containing bumptious

1. The bumptious politician boasted about his achievements at every opportunity.
2. Her bumptious attitude was off-putting to many of her colleagues.
3. Despite his talent, his bumptious nature made it difficult for others to work with him.
4. The bumptious student always interrupted the teacher with unnecessary comments.
5. His bumptious demeanor was evident when he insisted on giving unsolicited advice to everyone.
6. She found it hard to make friends because of her bumptious personality.

History and etymology of bumptious

The adjective 'bumptious' has its origins in the English dialect word 'bump,' which means 'swollen' or 'puffed up.' 'Bumptious' entered the English language in the late 18th century. This term describes someone who is overly self-assertive or arrogant, often in an offensive or aggressive way. The etymology of 'bumptious' effectively conveys the idea of someone figuratively swelling with self-importance or puffing themselves up with an exaggerated sense of superiority. Whether used to describe a bumptious individual who is excessively assertive or an offensive display of arrogance, this term underscores the negative connotations associated with those who come across as pushy, self-centered, and excessively self-assured.

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Further usage examples of bumptious

1. The bumptious salesman was overly confident about the superiority of his product.
2. Despite being a newcomer, he was bumptious enough to criticize the veterans in the field.
3. The bumptious actor talked endlessly about his minor role in a famous movie.
4. Her bumptious behavior at the party made her the center of attention, but for all the wrong reasons.
5. The bumptious entrepreneur claimed that his startup would revolutionize the industry.
6. His bumptious comments during the meeting were not well-received by his colleagues.
7. His bumptious attitude during the meeting was off-putting to his colleagues.
8. The bumptious salesman boasted about his products as if they were the best in the world.
9. She found it hard to get along with her bumptious neighbor, who always tried to one-up everyone.
10. The young actor's bumptious behavior made him unpopular among the cast.
11. Despite his bumptious demeanor, he lacked the skills to back up his boastful claims.
12. Her bumptious comments about her own achievements made others reluctant to share their own successes.
13. The bumptious politician assumed that everyone would agree with his opinions.
14. The team's bumptious new member needed to learn the value of humility and teamwork.
15. The bumptious student often interrupted the teacher, thinking he knew more than everyone else.
16. He made a bumptious entrance at the party, expecting all eyes to be on him.
17. The bumptious chef dismissed all the other recipes, claiming that only his was authentic.
18. Her bumptious attitude in the negotiation made it difficult to reach a fair agreement.

Conduct and Character, Disdain and Contempt, Arrogance and Selfishness

arrogant,brash,domineering,forward,haughty,overbearing,pompous,presumptuous,uppity

arrogant, humble, modest, unassuming

eb68db_5a3acdf522d24100a62aa6f935d294bf.mp3

boastful,cocky,conceited,egotistic,egotistical,overconfident

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