What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
highfalutin
Example
The politician's highfalutin speech failed to connect with the common people. [highfalutin: adjective]
Example
He always talks in a highfalutin manner, using big words to impress others. [highfalutin: adjective]
pretentious
Example
She wore a pretentious outfit to the party, trying too hard to look fashionable. [pretentious: adjective]
Example
His pretentious use of foreign phrases only made him sound foolish. [pretentious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pretentious is more commonly used than highfalutin in everyday language. Pretentious is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while highfalutin is less common and may be considered outdated or old-fashioned.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between highfalutin and pretentious?
Both highfalutin and pretentious are informal words that are typically used in casual or sarcastic contexts. However, pretentious may be considered slightly more formal due to its Latin roots and broader usage.
