Quick answer
Sesquipedality means the habit or quality of using long words. It is usually pronounced ses-kwi-pih-DAL-ih-tee, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Sesquipedality
Sesquipedality means the habit or quality of using long words. It belongs to pompous and grandiloquent words and works best in formal mockery, pompous speeches, and sentences that want impressive weight. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
pompousformalgrandiloquent
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, sesquipedality refers to the habit or quality of using long words. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Sesquipedality feels absurd because it sounds slightly overengineered, as if English kept bolting on syllables until the word itself became part of the performance.
Origin and history
Sesquipedality is generally traced to latin root via English formation. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Sesquipedality is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- The speech collapsed under its own sesquipedality.
- Reviewers accused the report of academic sesquipedality.
- A little sesquipedality can be funny; too much becomes exhausting.
- Clear writing often begins with cutting unnecessary sesquipedality.
When should you use this word?
Use sesquipedality when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in formal mockery, pompous speeches, and sentences that want impressive weight.
Similar words
Verbosity, Wordiness, Grandiloquence, Pomposity
Opposite or contrasting words
Clarity, Brevity, Simplicity, Plain style
Common questions
- What does sesquipedality mean? The habit or quality of using long words.
- How do you pronounce sesquipedality? It is commonly pronounced ses-kwi-pih-DAL-ih-tee.
- Is sesquipedality still used today? Sesquipedality is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use sesquipedality? Use sesquipedality when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in formal mockery, pompous speeches, and sentences that want impressive weight.
- What words are similar to sesquipedality? Similar words include Verbosity, Wordiness, Grandiloquence, and Pomposity.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.