What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ostentatiously
Example
He ostentatiously displayed his wealth by wearing expensive jewelry. [ostentatiously: adverb]
Example
She ostentatiously flipped her hair and strutted down the runway. [ostentatious: adjective]
showily
Example
He showily twirled his cane as he walked down the street. [showily: adverb]
Example
She wore a showy dress with sequins and feathers. [showy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Showily is more commonly used than ostentatiously in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ostentatiously and showily?
Ostentatiously is more formal than showily, and is typically used in more formal contexts such as academic writing or professional settings. Showily is more informal and is commonly used in casual conversation or creative writing.
