flout
C1formal
Definition
Meaning
to openly and deliberately disregard or show contempt for a rule, law, convention, or authority
to treat with scornful disregard; to mock or scoff at something considered binding or important
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a public, intentional, and often provocative act of disobedience or disrespect. Not accidental violation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both use the word identically.
Connotations
Equally strong connotation of deliberate disrespect in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in formal writing and journalism in both regions; not a high-frequency word in casual speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] flouts [Object (rule/law/authority)][Subject] is flouting [Object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to flout convention”
- “to flout the rules with impunity”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used regarding companies that ignore regulations or ethical standards.
Academic
Used in legal, political, and sociological texts discussing non-compliance.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; more likely in news reports or formal discussions about rule-breaking.
Technical
Used in legal contexts to describe intentional non-compliance with court orders or statutes.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The company continued to flout environmental regulations despite numerous fines.
- He made a career out of flouting theatrical conventions.
American English
- The state is flouting a federal court order, which could lead to a constitutional crisis.
- They openly flouted the dress code by wearing jeans to the gala.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form. 'Flouting' is the present participle used adjectivally: 'a flouting attitude'.
American English
- No standard adjective form. 'Flouting' is the present participle used adjectivally: 'a flouting gesture'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Drivers should not flout traffic laws.
- It is dangerous to flout safety rules.
- The protestors were arrested for flouting the city's assembly ordinance.
- The celebrity flouted convention by arriving at the awards ceremony in casual clothing.
- The regime has consistently flouted international human rights agreements with impunity.
- His research flouts academic orthodoxy, proposing a radically new theory of consciousness.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LOUD, PROUD person shouting 'FLOUT the rules!' – it's a public, boastful act of disobedience.
Conceptual Metaphor
RULES ARE BONDS/CONTAINERS (to flout is to break free from them). AUTHORITY IS A PARENT (to flout is to rebel like a defiant child).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'float' (плавать).
- Not a direct equivalent of 'нарушать' (violate), which is broader; 'flout' adds a layer of scorn.
- Beware of false friend 'флот' (fleet).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'flout' with 'flaunt' (to show off). 'He flaunted his wealth' vs. 'He flouted the law'.
- Using it for accidental or minor violations.
- Misspelling as 'flaut'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'flout' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Violate' is a broader term meaning to break or fail to comply with a rule or agreement. 'Flout' specifically means to do so openly and contemptuously, showing disrespect for the rule itself.
No, it is a mid-to-low frequency word, most common in formal, journalistic, or academic contexts, particularly when discussing law, rules, or social norms.
The most frequent error is confusing it with 'flaunt' (to display ostentatiously). Remember: you FLOUT a rule, but FLAUNT your wealth.
Rarely. It is almost always negative, describing blameworthy disobedience. However, it can be used neutrally or admiringly when the thing being flouted is seen as outdated or oppressive, e.g., 'She flouted tradition to forge her own path.'