pontificate Definition
to speak or express opinions in a way that shows that you think you are always right.
Using pontificate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pontificate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He pontificates about politics all the time, but he doesn't really know much.
Example
She loves to pontificate on the state of the economy, even though she has no background in finance.
Example
The professor pontificated for hours on the topic of postmodernism.
Example
Don't just pontificate, try to listen to other people's opinions as well.
pontificate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with pontificate
pontificate on/upon/about something
to speak or write at length in a pompous or dogmatic way about a particular subject
Example
He loves to pontificate on the virtues of socialism.
pontificate from/on high
to speak or act in a condescending or superior manner
Example
The CEO pontificated from on high about the company's new policies, without considering the concerns of the employees.
pontificate to/at someone
to speak in a way that is intended to impress or intimidate someone
Example
The lawyer pontificated to the jury, trying to sway their opinion with his eloquence.
Origins of pontificate
from Latin 'pontifex', meaning 'bridge-builder' or 'high priest'
Summary: pontificate in Brief
To 'pontificate' [pɒnˈtɪfɪkeɪt] means to express opinions in a way that suggests one thinks they are always right. It implies a condescending or superior attitude and often involves speaking at length in a pompous or dogmatic way. Examples include 'He pontificates about politics all the time, but he doesn't really know much.' and 'The professor pontificated for hours on the topic of postmodernism.' Synonyms include 'preach,' 'lecture,' and 'dogmatize.'
