ENGLISH
REFERENCE

flamboyant

adj.
C1 Advanced US //fɫæmˈbɔɪənt// UK //flˈæmbɔɪənt// flam·boy·ant

adj. describing someone or something that is very bright, colorful, and confident in a way that gets a lot of attention. It is often used for people who dress or behave in an exciting, bold style.

adj. characterised by a bold, colorful, or showy style that attracts attention. In an architectural context, refers to a late Gothic style featuring flowing, flame-like tracery.


SIMPLE

The singer wore a flamboyant costume covered in bright feathers.

CONTEXTUAL

The hotel lobby was decorated in a flamboyant style with gold statues and velvet curtains.

COMPLEX

While his predecessor was known for a quiet and reserved leadership style, the new director was flamboyant, often making grand entrances and wearing brightly patterned suits.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from French flamboyant (“flaming, wavy”), participle of flamboyer (“to flame”), from Old French flamboier, from flambe (“flame”). The architectural style derives its name from the flame-like shapes in the tracery.

Usage

Typically used as a gradable adjective; can be used both attributively and predicatively.

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