Flaunt – Meaning, Definition, Pronunciation, Synonyms, Antonyms
Learn the meaning of “flaunt,” its definition, pronunciation, synonyms, antonyms, history, grammar rules, and examples. Understand its correct usage and the difference between flaunt and flout.
Flaunt – Definition, Meaning, Pronunciation, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Usage
Pronunciation
- Phonetic: /flɔːnt/ or /flænt/
- IPA: [flɔːnt] (British), [flænt] (American)
- Rhymes with: haunt, taunt
Definition
- To display something ostentatiously, especially in order to provoke envy or admiration.
- Example: She flaunted her new diamond ring at the party.
- To show off something in a way that is meant to attract attention.
- Example: He flaunted his wealth by driving an expensive sports car.
- (Archaic) To wave or flutter boldly.
- Example: The flag flaunted in the wind.
Meaning and Usage
Flaunt is commonly used when someone exhibits something, usually material wealth, beauty, skills, or achievements, in a way that is meant to be noticed and admired. It often carries a connotation of arrogance or boastfulness.
It is frequently used in both positive and negative contexts:
- Positive usage: She flaunted her confidence on stage, impressing the audience.
- Negative usage: He flaunted his riches while ignoring the suffering of others.
Common Synonyms
- Show off
- Parade
- Boast
- Advertise
- Display
- Brandish
- Exhibit
- Promote
- Flash
Common Antonyms
- Conceal
- Hide
- Suppress
- Downplay
- Cover
- Refrain
- Withhold
- Disguise
History and Origin
The word flaunt is believed to have originated in the late 16th century. Its exact roots are unclear, but it may come from Scandinavian languages or Middle English dialects. It originally meant “to wave about” or “to spread out,” similar to how flags or banners are displayed. Over time, its meaning evolved into its modern sense of ostentatious display.
Historically, flaunt has been associated with social status and fashion. In the Victorian era, it was often used to describe the extravagant display of wealth through clothing and jewelry. Today, it extends to various forms of exhibition, including social media bragging and public demonstrations of success.
Grammar Rules and Forms
- Verb Forms:
- Present: flaunt / flaunts
- Past: flaunted
- Present Participle: flaunting
- Past Participle: flaunted
- Adverb Form: Flauntingly (He walked flauntingly into the room.)
- Noun Form: Flaunting (Her flaunting of wealth was obvious.)
- Adjective Form: Flaunty (His flaunty attitude made him unpopular.)
Common Mistake: Flaunt vs. Flout
Many people confuse flaunt with flout:
- Flaunt means to show off something in an obvious way.
- Example: She flaunted her designer dress at the gala.
- Flout means to disregard rules or conventions openly.
- Example: He flouted the school’s dress code by wearing jeans.
Example Sentences
- She flaunted her new smartphone by constantly taking selfies in public.
- The celebrity was criticized for flaunting his wealth while people struggled financially.
- He flaunts his intelligence by always using complex vocabulary.
- The model walked down the runway, flaunting her designer dress.
- The team flaunted their victory by celebrating in front of their rivals.
- Social media influencers often flaunt their luxurious lifestyles to gain more followers.
- He flaunted his knowledge in every meeting, making his colleagues uncomfortable.
- The company flaunted its success with an extravagant party.
- The actor flaunts his charisma on every red carpet event.
- The young entrepreneur flaunted his startup’s achievements on LinkedIn.
Idioms and Phrases Using ‘Flaunt’
- Flaunt it if you’ve got it – If you have something valuable or attractive, you should show it off.
- Example: She has an amazing singing voice—she should flaunt it if she’s got it!
- Flaunt one’s wealth – To display riches in a showy manner.
- Example: The millionaire loves to flaunt his wealth by buying expensive cars.
- Flaunt one’s success – To make sure others see and admire one’s achievements.
- Example: She flaunted her success on social media with pictures from her new office.
Cultural and Social Relevance
In modern society, flaunting has become more common due to the rise of social media. People showcase their wealth, relationships, and accomplishments online, sometimes leading to admiration, envy, or criticism. Flaunting can be seen in:
- Fashion and beauty industry – Celebrities and influencers flaunt their luxurious lifestyles, designer outfits, and beauty routines.
- Business and finance – Entrepreneurs flaunt their achievements through lavish purchases or extravagant promotions.
- Entertainment and pop culture – Musicians and actors flaunt their success in music videos, interviews, and social media posts.
- Sports – Athletes flaunt their victories through celebrations and trophies.
Psychological and Social Perspectives
From a psychological viewpoint, flaunting is often associated with:
- Confidence and self-expression – Some people flaunt their assets to assert dominance or pride.
- Insecurity and validation-seeking – Others flaunt to seek approval, validation, or admiration from peers.
- Cultural differences – Some cultures view flaunting as a sign of success, while others see it as arrogance or bad manners.
Here is the meaning and definition of “Flaunt” in multiple languages:
Mandarin Chinese (中文)
- Meaning: 炫耀，夸耀
- Definition: 指故意向他人展示某物，以引起羡慕或注意。
- Example: 她在派对上炫耀她的新钻戒。
Arabic (العربية)
- Meaning: التباهي، التفاخر
- Definition: عرض شيء بشكل متفاخر لجذب الإعجاب أو الاهتمام.
- Example: لقد تفاخر بثروته من خلال قيادة سيارة رياضية باهظة الثمن.
Hindi (हिंदी)
- Meaning: दिखावा करना, शेखी बघारना
- Definition: किसी चीज़ को इस तरह से दिखाना जिससे दूसरों को ईर्ष्या या प्रशंसा हो।
- Example: उसने पार्टी में अपनी नई घड़ी का दिखावा किया।
Spanish (Español)
- Meaning: Alardear, ostentar
- Definition: Mostrar algo de manera ostentosa para atraer admiración o envidia.
- Example: Ella alardeó de su nuevo anillo de diamantes en la fiesta.
Portuguese (Português)
- Meaning: Ostentar, exibir-se
- Definition: Exibir algo de maneira chamativa para atrair atenção ou inveja.
- Example: Ele ostentava sua riqueza dirigindo um carro esportivo caro.
Bengali (বাংলা)
- Meaning: প্রদর্শন করা, গর্ব করে দেখানো
- Definition: এমন কিছু দেখানো যা অন্যদের ঈর্ষা বা প্রশংসা আকর্ষণ করতে পারে।
- Example: সে তার নতুন গয়না বন্ধুদের সামনে প্রদর্শন করলো।
Russian (Русский)
- Meaning: Щеголять, выставлять напоказ
- Definition: Демонстрация чего-либо с целью привлечения внимания или зависти.
- Example: Она щеголяла своим новым бриллиантовым кольцом на вечеринке.
Japanese (日本語)
- Meaning: 見せびらかす、誇示する
- Definition: 何かを誇示して、羨望や注目を集めること。
- Example: 彼女はパーティーで新しいダイヤモンドリングを見せびらかした。
French (Français)
- Meaning: Afficher, exhiber
- Definition: Montrer quelque chose de manière ostentatoire pour attirer l’admiration ou la jalousie.
- Example: Elle a exhibé sa nouvelle bague en diamant à la fête.
Odia (ଓଡ଼ିଆ)
- Meaning: ଦେଖାଇବା, ଆଡ଼ମ୍ବର କରିବା
- Definition: ଏମିତି ଭାବରେ କିଛି ଦେଖାଇବା ଯେଉଁଥିରେ ଅନ୍ୟମାନେ ଇର୍ଷ୍ୟା ବା ପ୍ରଶଂସା କରନ୍ତି।
- Example: ସେ ପାର୍ଟିରେ ନିଜ ନୂତନ ଗହଣା ଦେଖାଇଲା।
Conclusion
The word flaunt is often associated with prideful display and extravagance. It has been used in literature, speeches, and everyday conversation to describe people who show off their possessions or qualities. Understanding the difference between flaunt and flout helps prevent common usage mistakes.
By using flaunt correctly, you can enhance your vocabulary and communicate with greater precision! Whether in casual conversation, literature, or formal writing, the word flaunt continues to play an important role in describing showy displays of wealth, confidence, and success.
FAQs:
1. What does flaunt mean?
Flaunt means to display something ostentatiously to attract admiration or attention.
2. How do you pronounce flaunt?
Flaunt is pronounced as /flɔːnt/ (British) or /flænt/ (American).
3. What is the difference between flaunt and flout?
Flaunt means to show off, while flout means to openly disregard rules or conventions.
4. What are synonyms for flaunt?
Synonyms include show off, parade, boast, display, and exhibit.
5. What are antonyms for flaunt?
Antonyms include conceal, hide, suppress, downplay, and withhold.
6. Can flaunt be used in a positive way?
Yes, flaunt can sometimes mean confidently displaying one’s talents or achievements.
7. What is an example sentence using flaunt?
She flaunted her new dress at the party, drawing everyone’s attention.
