flaunt´ing|ly

flaunt «flnt, flahnt», verb, noun.

–v.t.

to show off; try to impress others with; display ostentatiously or obtrusively: »

She flaunts her riches before her friends.

SYNONYM(S): flourish, obtrude.

–v.i.

1. to parade oneself boastfully, impudently, or defiantly on the public view.

2. a) to wave proudly or gaily: »

Flags and pennants flaunted from the masts of the ships.

b) (of plants) to wave so as to display their beauty.

–n.

1. the act of flaunting.

2. Obsolete. showy dress; finery.

╂[origin uncertain. Compare Norman French flâneur idler.]

–flaunt´er, noun.

–flaunt´ing|ly, adverb.

Usage Because of partial similarity of sound, flaunt and flout are sometimes confused. Flaunt means to display boldly and brazenly, regardless of what people may think: »

to flaunt one's vices, to flaunt one's wealth.

Flout means to mock or treat with contempt: »

to flout school rules.

Confusion arises because one may flaunt one thing in order to flout another: »

She flouted the custom of wearing simple dresses to the office by flaunting her red satin cocktail dress.