flamboyant
- 01 C2 Proficiency
adj.a style of French building from the 1300s to 1500s that uses wavy, flame-like patterns.
adj.denoting the final stage of French Gothic architecture, characterised by flame-like tracery and elaborate stone decoration.
Simple“The cathedral is a beautiful example of the flamboyant style of architecture.”
In context“The Flamboyant Gothic windows were designed with intricate, undulating stone patterns that mimicked the flickering of flames.”
UsageUsually capitalized in academic contexts when referring to the specific historical period.
Synonymslate gothic - 02 C2 Proficiency
n.a tropical tree with very bright red or orange flowers.
n.the royal poinciana tree, known for its large, vivid red or orange flowers and fern-like leaves.
Simple“The streets were lined with flamboyant trees that bloomed bright red in the summer.”
In context“In the Caribbean, the flamboyant provides significant shade and is celebrated for its spectacular floral display during the dry season.”
Synonymsroyal poincianaflame tree
“At his best, Kyrgios is a flamboyant and athletic shot-maker with flair, touch and an explosive game.”
“Custer was a flamboyant character, known for his long blond locks, his buckskin jackets , and his courage—and seeming invincibility—in battle.”
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.