Flaunt and Flout: Definition and Synonyms
Flaunt and Flout – Definition and Part of Speech
The phrase “flaunt and flout” combines two distinct verbs that often appear together in contexts where someone is simultaneously exhibiting something ostentatiously (to flaunt) and disregarding rules or norms (to flout).
- Part of Speech: Both “flaunt” and “flout” are primarily used as verbs.
- To flaunt means to display something proudly, often with the intent of drawing attention or admiration.
- To flout means to openly disregard a rule, law, or convention.
These verbs can sometimes be found in noun forms (e.g., flaunting, flouting) or even participles (flaunted, flouted), but their primary usage is verbal.
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exhibit | To publicly display something. | “She exhibited her new dress with pride.” | Formal/Casual |
| Show off | To behave boastfully to gain attention. | “He was showing off his new car to everyone.” | Informal, Conversational |
| Disregard | To pay no attention to something; ignore it. | “They disregarded the warning signs completely.” | Formal/Informal |
| Defy | To openly resist or refuse to obey. | “She defied all expectations by succeeding.” | Formal, Academic |
Usage Notes
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Exhibit: This synonym is suitable in both formal and informal settings. It can be used in contexts where the act of displaying something is done without necessarily a boastful intent.
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Show off: More casual than “exhibit,” this phrase carries a connotation of seeking attention or admiration, often with a slight negative undertone.
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Disregard: Versatile across various registers, “disregard” can be used in professional and academic writing to denote intentional neglect or oversight without the aggressive defiance suggested by “flout.”
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Defy: This synonym is particularly useful in formal contexts where there is an element of challenge against authority or rules. It carries a strong connotation of resistance.
Common Pitfalls
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Confusing flaunt and defy: While both can involve bold behavior, flaunting emphasizes display with the intent to impress, while defying focuses on resistance or refusal.
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Using show off in formal contexts: Although perfectly clear, “show off” is less suitable for academic or business writing due to its casual tone.
Final Recap
In summary, “flaunt and flout” refer to actions of ostentatious display and rule-breaking, respectively. Key synonyms include “exhibit,” which suggests a straightforward public display; “show off,” which adds an element of boastfulness; “disregard,” indicating intentional neglect without defiance; and “defy,” emphasizing resistance. When expanding your vocabulary, consider the nuances each synonym brings to different contexts, whether formal or informal, business-related, or casual conversation.
To truly grasp these words, practice using them in various sentences and settings. Experiment with writing short paragraphs where you can naturally incorporate synonyms of “flaunt and flout” to see how they fit into different styles and registers.