showy

Everyday

1. Very bright, big or colourful so that people notice it, sometimes too much. tree →
2. Done to make people admire you rather than for a real purpose: a showy trick, a showy way of playing. tree →

In the lessons

A describing word that can praise («showy flowers» in a garden) or criticise («a showy car», «too showy»). In stories it tells the reader that a person likes to be looked at — Toad in The Wind in the Willows loves showy things: a gaudy caravan, fast motor cars and loud clothes. In gardening, showy flowers have large bright petals that attract bees.

Examples

• Sunflowers are showy flowers. tree →
• His showy red car was parked outside the school. tree →
• She did a showy cartwheel just to impress everyone. tree →
• The footballer's showy trick lost the ball. tree →
• The peacock spread its showy tail. tree →
• Toad loved showy clothes and loud horns. tree →
• I prefer a simple cake to a showy one. tree →

Note

Comparative «showier», superlative «showiest»; adverb «showily»; noun «showiness». Often slightly negative: it hints at showing off. Related: «show-off» (a person who shows off).