What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flashy
Example
She wore a flashy dress with sequins and glitter. [flashy: adjective]
Example
The car was painted in a flashy shade of neon green. [flashy: adjective]
ostentatious
Example
He arrived at the party in an ostentatious limousine. [ostentatious: adjective]
Example
She flaunted her designer handbag in an ostentatious manner. [ostentatious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flashy is more commonly used than ostentatious in everyday language, and it can be used to describe a wider range of contexts. Ostentatious is more formal and less frequently used, often reserved for more specific situations where a display of wealth or status is being discussed.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flashy and ostentatious?
Ostentatious is more formal than flashy, and it is often used in more serious or academic contexts. Flashy, on the other hand, is more casual and can be used in a wider variety of situations.
