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Definition of pontify in English:

pontify

verb

derogatory, rare

  • no object To assume an arrogant air of authority; to speak dogmatically or pompously.

Origin

Late 19th century; earliest use found in The Times. From French pontifier (1866 in this sense; earlier in senses ‘to rise to the office or dignity of Pope’ and ‘to perform the functions of a pontiff’) from post-classical Latin pontificare; compare -fy.

Pronunciation

pontify

/ˈpɒntɪfʌɪ/