Ostentatious describes a display of wealth, knowledge, or power intended to attract attention. It signifies something overly elaborate and conspicuous. The word originates from the Latin "ostentare," meaning "to display". Ostentatious objects and buildings are often luxurious and flashy. An ostentatious lifestyle involves spending money conspicuously to showcase wealth. Valentino showcased ostentatious designs at Paris haute couture week. The term often applies to items begging to be looked at. The example sentence describes expensive summer homes as possibly ostentatious. When used negatively, it implies display is not the primary purpose. Overall, ostentatious denotes a showy and attention-seeking demeanor or characteristic.