Definition

Someone who is overly confident and tries to impress others in a loud or annoying way.

Example

His bumptious attitude made it hard for others to work with him.

Conversation

Have you met Jake? He's so bumptious at parties.

Yeah, I noticed! He talks over everyone and never lets anyone else speak.

Exactly! It makes it hard to enjoy the conversation sometimes.

I agree. I wish he would tone it down a bit.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bumptious → It is formed from 'bumpt' (a dialectal variant of 'bump', meaning to thump or strike) and the suffix '-ious' (meaning full of or characterized by). The word 'bumptious' describes someone who is full of themselves or overly self-assertive, as if they are striking or bumping into others with their attitude.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'bumping' into others with their loud and self-assertive behavior — that's why 'bumptious' means overly self-assertive.

Visually Confused Words