SESQUIPEDALIAN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does sesquipedalian mean? 

• SESQUIPEDALIAN (noun)
  The noun SESQUIPEDALIAN has 1 sense:

1. a very long word (a foot and a half long)

  Familiarity information: SESQUIPEDALIAN used as a noun is very rare.

• SESQUIPEDALIAN (adjective)
  The adjective SESQUIPEDALIAN has 2 senses:

1. given to the overuse of long words

2. (of words) long and ponderous; having many syllables

  Familiarity information: SESQUIPEDALIAN used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SESQUIPEDALIAN (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A very long word (a foot and a half long)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

sesquipedalia; sesquipedalian

Hypernyms ("sesquipedalian" is a kind of...):

polysyllabic word; polysyllable (a word of more than three syllables)

Derivation:

sesquipedalian ((of words) long and ponderous; having many syllables)

• SESQUIPEDALIAN (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Given to the overuse of long words

Context example:

this sesquipedalian way of saying one has no money

Similar:

pretentious (making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction)

Derivation:

sesquipedality (using long words)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(of words) long and ponderous; having many syllables

Synonyms:

polysyllabic; sesquipedalian

Context example:

sesquipedalian technical terms

Similar:

long (primarily spatial sense; of relatively great or greater than average spatial extension or extension as specified)

Derivation:

sesquipedalian (a very long word (a foot and a half long))

sesquipedality (using long words)