PhrasesHub

Pomp and circumstance

    Definitions

      • impressive formalities
        Referring to impressive and formal ceremonies or events, often with an implication of excessive showiness or grandeur

      • empty display
        Describing a display or show of importance or significance that is actually insincere or lacking substance

    Examples of Pomp and circumstance

    • The president's inauguration was a grand affair marked by pomp and circumstance.

      This example uses the idiom "pomp and circumstance" to describe the grandeur and ceremony of a significant event, such as a presidential inauguration. It suggests that the event was characterized by elaborate displays of honor and pageantry.

    • The graduation ceremony was filled with pomp and circumstance, as the valedictorian processed in with her diploma and academic regalia.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe the decorative and ceremonial aspects of a graduation ceremony. The use of academic regalia, or robes, gowns, and caps, along with the formal procession of graduates, adds an air of pomp and circumstance to the occasion.

    • The military parade was full of pomp and circumstance, as marching bands played triumphant music and soldiers marched in precision drills.

      This example illustrates how the idiom can be applied to military ceremonies. The use of marching bands, colorful uniforms, and formalized drills adds a ceremonial flair to military parades, celebrating the honor and prestige of the military.

    • The wedding was steeped in pomp and circumstance, as the bride wore a flowing white gown and the groom donned a pristine tuxedo, and the ceremony was followed by a lavish reception with music, dancing, and fine dining.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe the grandeur and tradition of a wedding ceremony. The use of formal wedding attire and a lavish reception, filled with food, music, and dancing, adds an air of pomp and circumstance to the wedding, highlighting the significance and celebration of the union between two people.

    • The presidential inauguration was a grand display of pomp and circumstance, with the President-elect swearing the oath of office in front of thousands of spectators and a military band playing majestic melodies.

      Pomp refers to elaborate and impressive ceremonial displays, while circumstance refers to the necessary conditions or circumstances surrounding an event. This idiom is often used to describe formal and ceremonial occasions with a lot of pageantry and ceremony.

    • The university graduation ceremony was filled with pomp and circumstance, as the graduates wore their gowns and mortarboards, and marched in procession to the sound of traditional music.

      This example demonstrates how pomp and circumstance can also be associated with academic or traditional ceremonies, where the focus is on the formalities and traditions involved.

    • The royal wedding was steeped in pomp and circumstance, with the bride arriving in a horse-drawn carriage and the groom waiting for her at the altar, surrounded by royalty and aristocracy.

      This example highlights how pomp and circumstance is often associated with royal or aristocratic events, reflecting the grandeur and tradition of such occasions.

    • The city's annual parade was a spectacle of pomp and circumstance, with marching bands, floats, and colorful costumes filling the streets and delighting the crowds.

      This final example demonstrates how pomp and circumstance can also be used to describe festivals, parades, and other celebratory events that are filled with colorful and impressive displays.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "pomp and circumstance" can be used to refer to both impressive formalities and empty displays. It is often used to describe grand ceremonies or events, but can also be used to highlight the lack of substance behind a show of importance.

    Origin of "Pomp and circumstance"

    The phrase "pomp and circumstance" originated from the title of a series of military marches composed by Sir Edward Elgar in 1901. The marches were later used for graduation ceremonies in the United States and the phrase came to represent the grandeur and formality of these events. Over time, the idiom has evolved to encompass not only formal ceremonies, but also any display of grandeur or importance that may be lacking in substance. The phrase has become a popular and widely understood idiom in the English language, used to convey the idea of impressive but often empty displays.