Select the option that is most appropriate synonym to the given word:
OSTENTATION
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Showy
- Ostentation means a showy display of wealth, knowledge or importance, meant to impress others.
Example: The wedding was celebrated with great ostentation. - Showy means bright, flashy and designed to attract attention. Ostentation is this kind of showiness, so of the four options "showy" is closest in meaning.
Example: She avoided showy jewellery and wore a simple chain.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: Boast — Incorrect. To boast is to talk with too much pride about oneself; it is about words, while ostentation is a display.
Example: He likes to boast about his marks.
Option 3: Elegant — Incorrect. Elegant means graceful and tasteful, which is a quality of restraint, nearly the opposite of a vulgar display.
Example: She wore an elegant silk saree.
Option 4: Abundance — Incorrect. Abundance means a large quantity of something; it says nothing about showing off.
Example: Kerala has an abundance of coconut trees.
| Synonyms (Ostentation) | Antonyms (Ostentation) |
|---|---|
| showiness | modesty |
| flamboyance | simplicity |
| pretentiousness | restraint |
| display | plainness |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ostentation | – | 26-05 S1 | – | – | – |