noun
superior airs; air of importance
Describes an attitude of self-importance or pretentiousness. Often used in the phrase 勿体ぶる (to put on airs).
彼はいつも勿体をつけて話す。
He always speaks with an air of importance.
そんなに勿体ぶらなくてもいいじゃないか。
You don't have to put on such airs.
noun
Refers to making something seem more important or serious than it is; overstating. Often used in the phrase 勿体をつける.
彼の話はいつも勿体がついている。
His stories are always overemphasized.
The word 勿体 (もったい) originally comes from a Buddhist term meaning 'the essence of things' or 'importance', but in modern Japanese it has shifted to refer to an attitude of self-importance or exaggeration. The kanji 勿体 is an established spelling, while 物体 is an ateji.