Word
flaunt
US/ˈfɫɔnt/
UK/flˈɔːnt/
Definition
v. to show something off in a way that is meant to impress or annoy other people. You use this when someone is being very proud of their new clothes or their success.
v. to display something ostentatiously in order to attract attention or provoke envy. Often carries a negative connotation of vanity or provocation.
Examples
“He likes to flaunt his expensive watches in front of his friends.”
“The new CEO decided to flaunt his wealth by buying a private jet for the entire executive team.”
“While some view the display of luxury as a legitimate form of social capital, others argue that flaunting such wealth can alienate those who lack similar resources.”
Examples
simple
“He likes to flaunt his expensive watches in front of his friends.”
contextual
“The new CEO decided to flaunt his wealth by buying a private jet for the entire executive team.”
complex
“While some view the display of luxury as a legitimate form of social capital, others argue that flaunting such wealth can alienate those who lack similar resources.”
Real-World Examples
“So they tried to buy it, building ostentatious mansions, importing art and furniture from abroad and flaunting their leisured lives and riches.” “Lolita tea parties and similar events provide an opportunity for community-building among Lolitas, as well as a chance to flaunt their best fashions.” Etymology
Of North Germanic origin. Perhaps related to Norwegian flanta (“to show off, wander about”), Icelandic flana (“to rush about, act rashly or heedlessly”) and then also to French flâner (“to wander around, loiter”). Alternatively, it could be related to Swedish flankt (“loosely, flutteringly”) (compare English flaunt-a-flaunt), from flanka (“waver, hang and wave about, ramble”), a nasalised variant of flakka (“to waver”), related to Middle English flacken (“to move to and fro, flutter, palpitate”). See flack.
By confusion with flout.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/flaunt