Sesquipedalian
/ˌsɛskwɪpɪˈdeɪliən/noun
Characterized by the use of long or unusually complicated words.
Did you know?The term comes from Horace’s warning about “sesquipedalia verba”—words a foot and a half long—mocking writers who used grandiose language to sound impressive.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ped-
“Foot; the ancient root behind many words connected with walking and measuring.”
Classical Latin
Latin
pes, pedis
“Foot.”
Classical Latin
Latin
sesqui-
“One and a half; literally, an additional half beyond one.”
1st Century BCE
Latin
sesquipedalia verba
“Words a foot and a half long, Horace’s humorous phrase for excessively grand language.”
17th Century
English
sesquipedalian
“Marked by long words or long-winded expression.”
Modern English
English
sesquipedalian
“Using or characterized by long, complicated words.”
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