attitudinarian
|at-ti-tu-di-na-ri-an|
🇺🇸
/əˌtɪtʃuːˈdɪnəriən/
🇬🇧
/əˌtɪtjuːˈdɪnəriən/
affecting an attitude / taking a pose
Etymology
'attitudinarian' originates from English, specifically formed from 'attitude' + the suffix '-arian'; 'attitude' itself came into English via French 'attitude' (and Italian 'attitudine') and the suffix '-arian' goes back to Latin '-arius' meaning 'pertaining to'.
'attitudinarian' was coined in English by adding the noun/adjective-forming suffix '-arian' to 'attitude' (a formation dating from the 18th–19th centuries). 'Attitude' came from French 'attitude' (from Italian 'attitudine'), ultimately related to Latin 'aptitudo'.
Initially it described one who assumes a particular pose or stance; over time it has come to carry a pejorative sense of affectation or pretentiousness in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who adopts or affects a particular attitude or pose, especially insincerely or for show.
He was dismissed as an attitudinarian who cared more about appearances than action.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of someone who affects an attitude; affected or pretentious in manner.
Her attitudinarian manner put off several colleagues.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/16 06:32