A trained engineer, he was the cousin-brother of steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie , and a partner in the Carnegie Steel Corporation , a forerunner of U.S. Steel . Early years George Lauder was the son of George Lauder, Sr . and Seaton Morrison.
pretentious. adjective. 1  Claiming that or behaving as if one is important or deserving of merit when such is not the case: a pretentious socialite. 2  Showing or betraying an attitude of superiority: made pretentious remarks about his education.
Grandiose, showy, ostentatious, pretentious all refer to conspicuous outward display, either designed to attract attention or likely to do so. Grandiose and showy are alike in that they may suggest impressiveness that is not objectionable: the grandiose sweep of the arch; a fresh bouquet of showy zinnias. Grandiose, however, most often implies inflation or exaggeration to the point of absurdity: grandiose, impractical plans; a ridiculously grandiose manner.