flaunt
C1Formal to neutral; often used in critical or descriptive contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To display something ostentatiously, especially to attract attention or admiration.
To show off or parade something in a conspicuous, often excessive manner; to behave in a way that deliberately draws attention to one's possessions, qualities, or achievements.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries a negative connotation of vanity, arrogance, or tastelessness. Not to be confused with 'flout' (to openly disregard a rule).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Both varieties use the word identically.
Connotations
Equally negative in both dialects when referring to boastful behavior.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English in fashion/wealth contexts, but overall frequency is similar.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
flaunt + noun (direct object)flaunt + reflexive pronoun + prepositional phrase (e.g., flaunt oneself before others)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “If you've got it, flaunt it.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used critically to describe companies or executives ostentatiously displaying wealth or success.
Academic
Rare; used in sociology or cultural studies discussing conspicuous consumption.
Everyday
Common in discussions about fashion, social media behavior, or perceived arrogance.
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He flaunted his new Rolex at the pub.
- She flaunted her connections to get the table.
American English
- He flaunted his new Tesla in the parking lot.
- She flaunted her promotion on LinkedIn.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She likes to flaunt her new dress.
- The footballer flaunted his trophy to the cheering fans.
- Critics accused the minister of flaunting his wealth during an economic crisis.
- The oligarch's yacht was a blatant attempt to flaunt his financial dominance in the region.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FLAmingo showing off its bright feathers – it FLAUNTS them.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEALTH/SUCCESS IS A VISIBLE SPECTACLE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'flout' (нарушать, игнорировать). 'Flaunt' is выставлять напоказ, кичиться.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'flaunt' to mean 'flout' (e.g., 'He flaunted the law' is incorrect if meaning 'disregarded').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'flaunt' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Flaunt' means to show off. 'Flout' means to openly disregard a rule or convention. They are often confused.
Mostly, as it implies excessive or boastful display. However, in contexts like fashion or advertising ('flaunt your style'), it can be neutral or positive.
Rarely. The noun form 'flaunt' is non-standard. The related noun is 'flaunting' (e.g., 'the flaunting of wealth').
'Flaunt one's wealth' is a very common and typical collocation.