bombast, inertia, catalyst, poseur, harangue: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 32. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. bombast · noun/ˈbɑːm.bæst/

   high-sounding language with little meaning used to impress people

   The speaker filled his presentation with bombast, making it hard for anyone to understand what he was really saying.

   Synonyms: pomp, grandiloquence, verbosity

   Origin: from Latin 'bombasta' meaning cotton or padding, used metaphorically for inflated language

2. inertia · noun/ɪˈnɜr.ʃə/

   the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion

   The car kept moving forward due to its inertia, even after the driver took his foot off the gas pedal.

   Synonyms: motionlessness, inactivity, sluggishness

   Origin: Latin 'inertia', meaning 'unactivity' or 'lack of movement'

3. catalyst · noun/ˈkæt.əl.ɪst/

   a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing permanent change

   The scientist added a catalyst to the mixture to make the reaction happen faster.

   Synonyms: accelerator, promoter, trigger

   Origin: from the Greek word 'katalusis', meaning 'dissolution, loosening'

4. poseur · noun/poʊˈzɜr/

   a person who pretends to be something they are not to impress others

   He is just a poseur who pretends to know about art to impress his friends.

   Synonyms: imposter, pretender, fake

   Origin: French, from 'poser' meaning 'to pose, to place'.

5. harangue · noun/həˈræŋ/

   a lengthy and aggressive speech or lecture

   The coach gave a long harangue about the importance of teamwork before the match.

   Synonyms: lecture, tirade, diatribe

   Origin: from Old French 'harangue', from Italian 'arenga', meaning 'to speak'.