pontify Definition
- 1to speak or express opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way
- 2to behave in an arrogant or self-important manner
Using pontify: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pontify" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He would pontify about his achievements to anyone who would listen.
Example
She pontificates on politics but has no real experience in the field.
Example
The professor pontificated for hours on the topic of ethics.
Example
I don't want to pontify, but I think you should reconsider your decision.
pontify Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with pontify
pontificate from/on high
to speak in a condescending or superior manner, as if from a position of authority
Example
He always pontificates from on high, as if he knows everything.
pontificate over/about
to express one's opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way, often without regard for others' views
Example
He loves to pontificate over/about politics, but he never listens to anyone else's ideas.
to speak at length and in a self-important manner about a particular topic
Example
The guest speaker pontificated on the importance of education for over an hour.
Origins of pontify
from the noun 'pontiff', meaning 'pope'
Summary: pontify in Brief
'Pontify' [ˈpɒntɪfaɪ] is a verb that describes speaking or expressing opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way. It can also refer to behaving in an arrogant or self-important manner. Examples include 'The professor pontificated for hours on the topic of ethics.' and 'I don't want to pontify, but I think you should reconsider your decision.' Synonyms include 'lecture,' 'preach,' and 'pronounce.'
