Table of Contents
Quick Overview
Understanding the difference between Flaunt and Flout is essential for clear, professional writing in American English. These two words are classic homophones-they sound almost identical in everyday speech, but they have completely different meanings and grammatical functions. Mixing them up is one of the most common spelling and grammar mistakes in the English language.
| Feature | Flaunt | Flout |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To display something ostentatiously to provoke envy or admiration | To openly disregard, mock, or show contempt for a rule or law |
| Part of Speech | Verb | Verb |
| Pronunciation | /flɔnt/ (rhymes with taunt) | /flaʊt/ (rhymes with shout) |
| Common Contexts | Wealth, beauty, designer clothes, achievements, social media | Laws, rules, conventions, authority, safety protocols |
| Example | She flaunted her new diamond ring. | He flouted the speed limit. |
| Memory Trick | Flaunt = Show off | Flout = Flout the law |
Understanding "Flaunt"
A detailed breakdown of meaning, grammar, and usage.
Meaning
Pronunciation
Word Class (Verb)
Grammar
Common Uses
Literal Meaning
Figurative Meaning
American English Usage
Typical Sentence Patterns
Common Collocations
Understanding "Flout"
A detailed breakdown of meaning, grammar, and usage.
Meaning
Pronunciation
Word Class (Verb)
Grammar
Common Uses
Literal Meaning
Figurative Meaning
American English Usage
Typical Sentence Patterns
Common Collocations
Key Differences
Core Definition
Flaunt means to show off or display proudly. Flout means to openly disregard or break a rule.
Part of Speech
Both are verbs, but they have entirely different intents. Flaunting is about vanity; flouting is about rebellion.
Pronunciation
Flaunt is pronounced /flɔnt/ (rhymes with taunt). Flout is pronounced /flaʊt/ (rhymes with shout).
Object of the Verb
Flaunt takes objects like wealth, beauty, or success. Flout takes objects like laws, rules, or conventions.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Flaunt | Flout |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To display something ostentatiously to provoke envy or admiration | To openly disregard, mock, or show contempt for a rule or law |
| Part of Speech | Verb | Verb |
| Pronunciation | /flɔnt/ (rhymes with taunt) | /flaʊt/ (rhymes with shout) |
| Common Contexts | Wealth, beauty, designer clothes, achievements, social media | Laws, rules, conventions, authority, safety protocols |
| Example | She flaunted her new diamond ring. | He flouted the speed limit. |
| Memory Trick | Flaunt = Show off | Flout = Flout the law |
Grammar Rules
Grammar Rules & Mechanics
Understanding the specific grammatical functions and connotations of 'flaunt' versus 'flout' is the key to never confusing them again.
Showing Off vs. Breaking Rules
'Flaunt' is used when displaying something proudly. 'Flout' is used when disobeying something openly.
- Correct: She flaunted her new designer dress.
- Incorrect: She flouted her new designer dress.
- Correct: He flouted the dress code.
- Incorrect: He flaunted the dress code.
'Flaunted' is correct because she is showing off the dress. You cannot 'flout' a physical object unless it represents a rule.
'Flouted' is correct because he is disobeying the rule. 'Flaunting the dress code' is a common error.
Legal vs. Social Contexts
'Flout' often appears in legal or regulatory contexts, while 'flaunt' appears in social or material contexts.
- Correct: The company flouted environmental regulations.
- Incorrect: The company flaunted environmental regulations.
You 'flout' (disregard) regulations. 'Flaunting regulations' would technically mean showing them off, which makes no sense.
Abstract Concepts
When describing abstract concepts, choose the word based on whether you mean showing off (flaunt) or defying (flout).
- Correct: The dictator flaunted his power.
- Incorrect: The dictator flouted his power.
'Flaunted' is correct because he is showing off his power. 'Flouting' power would mean disregarding it.
Intransitive vs. Transitive Use
'Flaunt' can be used intransitively (without an object). 'Flout' generally requires an object (the rule being broken).
- Correct: She loves to flaunt.
- Incorrect: She loves to flout.
'Flaunt' works alone to mean 'show off.' 'Flout' needs an object (e.g., 'She loves to flout the rules').
When to Use "Flaunt"
Specific scenarios where 'flaunt' is the correct choice. It means to display something proudly or ostentatiously, often to impress others.
Displaying Wealth
Use 'flaunt' when someone shows off expensive possessions to impress others.
Example: The billionaire flaunted his wealth by purchasing a third yacht.
Showing Off Appearance
Use 'flaunt' to describe wearing clothing or styles specifically to attract attention.
Example: She flaunted her new designer dress at the charity gala.
Boasting Achievements
Use 'flaunt' when someone parades their awards or successes in a boastful manner.
Example: He flaunted his college diploma on his office wall.
Expressing Defiance
Use 'flaunt' to describe displaying something proudly in a rebellious or unconventional way.
Example: The artist flaunted convention with his controversial new exhibit.
Parading Relationships
Use 'flaunt' when couples show excessive public affection to make others envious.
Example: They flaunted their romance all over social media.
Social Media Bragging
Use 'flaunt' in digital contexts to describe posting content meant to evoke envy.
Example: The influencer flaunted her luxurious vacation in Bali.
Showing Off Talent
Use 'flaunt' when someone overtly displays a skill to draw attention to themselves.
Example: The guitarist flaunted his skills during the extended solo.
Displaying Privilege
Use 'flaunt' when someone oblivious to their own advantages shows them off insensitively.
Example: He flaunted his trust fund while his classmates struggled to pay rent.
When to Use "Flout"
Specific scenarios where 'flout' is the correct choice. It means to openly disregard, violate, or mock a rule, law, or convention.
Breaking Laws
Use 'flout' when someone openly and deliberately violates legal statutes.
Example: The corrupt official flouted the law for decades.
Ignoring Rules
Use 'flout' to describe disregarding established workplace or school regulations.
Example: The employee was fired for flouting the company dress code.
Disregarding Conventions
Use 'flout' when defying accepted social norms or traditions.
Example: The punk rockers flouted societal conventions with their wild hairstyles.
Mocking Authority
Use 'flout' to describe showing open contempt for leaders or governing bodies.
Example: The rebels flouted the authority of the local government.
Safety Violations
Use 'flout' in industrial contexts when ignoring critical safety protocols.
Example: The factory flouted safety regulations, endangering its workers.
Court Orders
Use 'flout' in legal contexts when someone disobeys a judge's mandate.
Example: He was held in contempt for flouting the court order.
Environmental Regulations
Use 'flout' when companies illegally pollute or ignore ecological protections.
Example: The mining company flouted environmental laws by dumping waste in the river.
Defying Parents
Use 'flout' to describe teenagers openly disobeying household rules.
Example: The teenager flouted her curfew and stayed out until dawn.
Common Expressions
Idioms and standard phrases that rely on the specific meaning of each word.
Expressions with "Flaunt"
1. Flaunt wealth
Meaning: Showing off money or expensive assets.
Example: The billionaire flaunted his wealth by buying a private jet.
2. Flaunt style
Meaning: Displaying fashionable clothing or taste.
Example: She flaunted her unique style at fashion week.
3. Flaunt beauty
Meaning: Showing off physical attractiveness.
Example: The model flaunted her beauty on the magazine cover.
4. Flaunt success
Meaning: Boasting about achievements or status.
Example: He flaunted his success by parking his sports car in the front row.
5. Flaunt a figure
Meaning: Wearing clothing that highlights one's body shape.
Example: She flaunted her figure in a fitted evening gown.
6. Flaunt talent
Meaning: Overtly displaying a skill to impress others.
Example: The musician flaunted his talent during the guitar solo.
7. Flaunt power
Meaning: Parading authority or influence over others.
Example: The manager flaunted his power by firing an intern publicly.
8. Flaunt designer clothes
Meaning: Wearing high-end brands specifically to be noticed.
Example: The socialite flaunted her designer clothes at the charity event.
9. Flaunt a diamond ring
Meaning: Showing off an engagement or expensive piece of jewelry.
Example: She flaunted her diamond ring to all her coworkers.
10. Flaunt a promotion
Meaning: Boasting about a new job title or career advancement.
Example: He flaunted his promotion by updating his LinkedIn bio immediately.
11. Flaunt an award
Meaning: Displaying trophies or accolades proudly.
Example: The author flaunted her literary award on the mantelpiece.
12. Flaunt a new car
Meaning: Driving a new vehicle specifically to attract attention.
Example: He flaunted his new convertible down the main street.
13. Flaunt a relationship
Meaning: Showing excessive public affection to make others envious.
Example: The couple flaunted their relationship all over Instagram.
14. Flaunt confidence
Meaning: Displaying an overt amount of self-assurance.
Example: She flaunted her confidence during the debate.
15. Flaunt privilege
Meaning: Obliviously showing off unearned advantages.
Example: He flaunted his privilege by complaining about slow Wi-Fi on his yacht.
16. Flaunt a physique
Meaning: Showing off a muscular or fit body.
Example: The bodybuilder flaunted his physique at the beach.
17. Flaunt on social media
Meaning: Posting bragging content online.
Example: The influencer flaunted her luxurious vacation in Bali.
18. Flaunt an expensive watch
Meaning: Wearing a luxury timepiece to be noticed.
Example: The executive flaunted his expensive watch during the meeting.
19. Flaunt a new purchase
Meaning: Eagerly showing off something newly bought.
Example: She flaunted her new handbag to her friends.
20. Flaunt independence
Meaning: Parading one's self-sufficiency.
Example: The teenager flaunted her independence by moving out.
Expressions with "Flout"
1. Flout the law
Meaning: Openly violating legal statutes.
Example: The gang members flouted the law with impunity.
2. Flout the rules
Meaning: Disregarding established guidelines.
Example: The student flouted the rules by cheating on the exam.
3. Flout conventions
Meaning: Defying accepted social norms.
Example: The artist flouted conventions with his controversial exhibit.
4. Flout authority
Meaning: Showing contempt for governing bodies or leaders.
Example: The protesters flouted authority by occupying the building.
5. Flout safety regulations
Meaning: Ignoring critical safety protocols.
Example: The contractor flouted safety regulations on the site.
6. Flout a court order
Meaning: Disobeying a judge's mandate.
Example: He was arrested for flouting a court order.
7. Flout traffic laws
Meaning: Violating driving rules openly.
Example: The taxi driver flouted traffic laws to get to the airport faster.
8. Flout tradition
Meaning: Disregarding long-standing customs.
Example: They flouted tradition by serving pizza at their wedding.
9. Flout building codes
Meaning: Ignoring construction standards.
Example: The developer flouted building codes to save money.
10. Flout environmental laws
Meaning: Illegally polluting or ignoring ecological protections.
Example: The factory flouted environmental laws by dumping toxic waste.
11. Flout the dress code
Meaning: Wearing prohibited clothing to an event or workplace.
Example: He flouted the dress code by wearing jeans to the gala.
12. Flout social norms
Meaning: Behaving in ways unacceptable to society.
Example: She flouted social norms by speaking out of turn.
13. Flout parental rules
Meaning: Teenagers openly disobeying household rules.
Example: The teenager flouted her curfew and stayed out all night.
14. Flout guidelines
Meaning: Ignoring recommended procedures.
Example: The doctor flouted medical guidelines.
15. Flout protocol
Meaning: Disregarding formal etiquette or procedures.
Example: The diplomat flouted protocol during the state dinner.
16. Flout curfew
Meaning: Staying out past a legally or parentally mandated time.
Example: The rebels flouted the city-wide curfew.
17. Flout tax laws
Meaning: Illegally avoiding paying taxes.
Example: The celebrity flouted tax laws for over a decade.
18. Flout international law
Meaning: Violating treaties or global agreements.
Example: The rogue nation flouted international law with its missile tests.
19. Flout workplace policies
Meaning: Ignoring HR or corporate rules.
Example: He was fired for flouting workplace policies.
20. Flout sanitation standards
Meaning: Ignoring health and cleanliness codes in food service.
Example: The restaurant was shut down for flouting sanitation standards.
Collocations
Flaunt wealth
Meaning: To show off one's money or expensive assets.
Example: The billionaire flaunted his wealth by buying a private jet.
Flaunt style
Meaning: To display fashionable clothing or taste.
Example: She flaunted her unique style at fashion week.
Flaunt beauty
Meaning: To show off physical attractiveness.
Example: The model flaunted her beauty on the magazine cover.
Flaunt success
Meaning: To boast about achievements or status.
Example: He flaunted his success by parking his sports car in the front row.
Flaunt a figure
Meaning: To wear clothing that highlights one's body shape.
Example: She flaunted her figure in a fitted evening gown.
Flaunt talent
Meaning: To overtly display a skill to impress others.
Example: The musician flaunted his talent during the guitar solo.
Flaunt power
Meaning: To parade authority or influence over others.
Example: The manager flaunted his power by firing an intern publicly.
Flaunt designer clothes
Meaning: To wear high-end brands specifically to be noticed.
Example: The socialite flaunted her designer clothes at the charity event.
Flaunt a diamond ring
Meaning: To show off an engagement or expensive piece of jewelry.
Example: She flaunted her diamond ring to all her coworkers.
Flaunt a promotion
Meaning: To boast about a new job title or career advancement.
Example: He flaunted his promotion by updating his LinkedIn bio immediately.
Flout the law
Meaning: To openly violate legal statutes.
Example: The gang members flouted the law with impunity.
Flout the rules
Meaning: To disregard established guidelines.
Example: The student flouted the rules by cheating on the exam.
Flout conventions
Meaning: To defy accepted social norms.
Example: The artist flouted conventions with his controversial exhibit.
Flout authority
Meaning: To show contempt for governing bodies or leaders.
Example: The protesters flouted authority by occupying the building.
Flout safety regulations
Meaning: To ignore critical safety protocols.
Example: The contractor flouted safety regulations on the site.
Flout a court order
Meaning: To disobey a judge's mandate.
Example: He was arrested for flouting a court order.
Flout traffic laws
Meaning: To violate driving rules openly.
Example: The taxi driver flouted traffic laws to get to the airport faster.
Flout tradition
Meaning: To disregard long-standing customs.
Example: They flouted tradition by serving pizza at their wedding.
Flout building codes
Meaning: To ignore construction standards.
Example: The developer flouted building codes to save money.
Flout environmental laws
Meaning: To illegally pollute or ignore ecological protections.
Example: The factory flouted environmental laws by dumping toxic waste.
Idioms
Flaunt it if you've got it
Meaning: An encouragement to display one's assets or talents proudly.
Example: She wore the bold dress knowing the rule: flaunt it if you've got it.
Flaunt one's wealth
Meaning: To ostentatiously show off money or expensive possessions.
Example: The nouveau riche often flaunt their wealth in tacky ways.
Flaunt one's stuff
Meaning: To show off one's talents or physical attributes enthusiastically.
Example: The dancers took to the floor to flaunt their stuff.
Flaunt in someone's face
Meaning: To deliberately show something off to make someone else feel jealous.
Example: He flaunted his bonus in his coworker's face.
Flaunt one's feathers
Meaning: To dress or behave ostentatiously, like a peacock.
Example: The aristocrat flaunted his feathers at the elite country club.
Flaunt one's charms
Meaning: To use one's physical attractiveness to gain attention or favors.
Example: The actor flaunted his charms during the interview.
Flaunt one's ego
Meaning: To display an overt amount of self-importance.
Example: The director flaunted his ego on the film set.
Flaunt a new look
Meaning: To proudly display a recent change in appearance or style.
Example: The pop star flaunted her new look on the red carpet.
Flaunt one's superiority
Meaning: To act in a way that emphasizes being better than others.
Example: The champion flaunted his superiority over the rookie.
Flaunt one's pedigree
Meaning: To show off one's prestigious family background or education.
Example: The politician flaunted his pedigree during the campaign.
Flout the law of the land
Meaning: To openly violate the primary legal statutes of a region.
Example: The cartel leader flouted the law of the land for years.
Flout the rules of the game
Meaning: To cheat or refuse to play by established standards in a competitive setting.
Example: The company flouted the rules of the game to gain market share.
Flout common decency
Meaning: To behave in a way that disrespects basic human politeness.
Example: He flouted common decency by talking loudly on his phone in the theater.
Flout the establishment
Meaning: To rebel against the dominant institutions or ruling class.
Example: The punk band flouted the establishment with their lyrics.
Flout the status quo
Meaning: To openly challenge the current state of affairs.
Example: The tech startup flouted the status quo of the industry.
Flout the powers that be
Meaning: To disregard the authority of those in charge.
Example: The whistleblower flouted the powers that be.
Flout the letter of the law
Meaning: To violate the exact, literal wording of a rule.
Example: The lawyer argued his client did not flout the letter of the law.
Flout the spirit of the law
Meaning: To obey the literal words of a rule while violating its intended purpose.
Example: He didn't break the rule, but he certainly flouted the spirit of the law.
Flout all sense of propriety
Meaning: To behave in a highly inappropriate or shocking manner.
Example: The royal family was shocked by how she flouted all sense of propriety.
Flout the rules of engagement
Meaning: To violate the military or diplomatic protocols for a conflict.
Example: The rogue general flouted the rules of engagement.
Example Sentences
Easy
- She likes to flaunt her new dress in front of her friends.
- The driver was pulled over for flouting the speed limit.
- He flaunted his money by buying everyone at the bar a drink.
- You cannot flout the rules of this classroom.
- They flaunted their expensive watches at the party.
- The company was fined for flouting safety laws.
- She flaunted her beauty on the stage.
- He was fired for flouting the dress code.
- They flaunted their awards on the shelf.
- The thief flouted the law by stealing in broad daylight.
- He flaunted his big muscles at the gym.
- Do not flout the curfew, or you will be grounded.
- She flaunted her new haircut to everyone.
- The students flouted the teacher's authority.
- He likes to flaunt his intelligence.
- The restaurant was shut down for flouting health codes.
- She flaunted her designer bag on her shoulder.
- They flouted the parking regulations and got a ticket.
- He flaunted his success on social media.
- The kids flouted their parents' rules.
Intermediate
- She decided to flaunt her independence by moving out of her parents' house.
- The corrupt official openly flouted the law for his own gain.
- He flaunted his wealth by purchasing a luxury yacht.
- The factory flouted environmental regulations for years without consequence.
- She flaunted her new promotion on LinkedIn.
- The protesters deliberately flouted the city-wide curfew.
- He flaunted his musical talent at the local talent show.
- The driver was ticketed for flouting traffic laws on the highway.
- The influencer flaunted her luxurious lifestyle to her followers.
- The company flouted labor laws to save money on wages.
- She flaunted her gorgeous figure in a tight red dress.
- The athletes were suspended for flouting team rules.
- He flaunted his expensive car in the company parking lot.
- The landlord flouted building codes during the renovations.
- The artist flouted convention with his wild painting style.
- The wealthy couple flaunted their estate to the guests.
- The dictator flouted international human rights laws.
- She likes to flaunt her knowledge of foreign languages.
- The bank flouted federal regulations regarding lending.
- He flaunted his confidence during the intense negotiation.
Advanced
- The nouveau riche often flaunt their wealth in ostentatious and vulgar ways.
- The corporation willfully flouted antitrust laws to crush competition.
- She subtly flaunted her pedigree at the exclusive country club.
- The general flouted the Geneva Convention during the prolonged conflict.
- He casually flaunted his academic credentials during the heated debate.
- The hackers flouted cybersecurity protocols with absolute impunity.
- The aristocracy flaunted their privilege while the peasants starved in the streets.
- The rogue state flouted UN resolutions, inviting severe economic sanctions.
- She flaunted her sartorial elegance at the prestigious gala.
- The politicians flouted campaign finance laws to secure their elections.
- The executive flaunted his benevolence by donating millions to the university.
- The miners flouted safety standards, ultimately leading to a catastrophic collapse.
- He flaunted his erudite vocabulary to intimidate his subordinates.
- The developers flouted zoning ordinances to build the towering skyscraper.
- The celebrity flaunted her extravagant jewelry on the red carpet.
- The pharmaceutical company flouted FDA testing guidelines.
- The monarch flaunted the crown jewels during the lavish parade.
- The rebels flouted the authority of the established government.
- The socialite flaunted her extensive network of influential friends.
- The contractors flouted environmental impact assessment requirements.
Academic
- Sociologists study why individuals in subcultures feel compelled to flaunt their status symbols.
- The research paper examines how multinational corporations flout regulatory frameworks.
- Veblen's theory of the leisure class explores why the elite flaunt their wealth.
- The legal precedent establishes stringent penalties for entities that flout judicial orders.
- The thesis analyzes how digital influencers flaunt authenticity to build parasocial relationships.
- Criminologists emphasize that repeat offenders often flout the law to assert autonomy.
- Historical texts indicate that monarchs frequently flaunted divine right to legitimize rule.
- The dissertation details how local governments flouted federal mandates during the crisis.
- Academics often flaunt their theoretical frameworks at international conferences.
- The peer-reviewed article argues that states flout international law when geopolitically convenient.
- The essay critiques how media conglomerates flaunt their market dominance.
- The journal exposes how authoritarian regimes flout constitutional rights.
- The professor flaunted his extensive publication record during the tenure review.
- Archival records show that merchants frequently flouted trade embargoes in the 18th century.
- The investigation highlights how tech giants flaunt their innovation while flouting antitrust regulations.
- Scholars must avoid flaunting their methodological rigor at the expense of narrative clarity.
- The sociological survey reveals how teenagers use social media to flout parental authority.
- The author flaunts his literary prowess through complex, polyphonic narratives.
- The analysis demonstrates how authoritarian regimes systematically flout democratic principles.
- Researchers noted that subjects would often flaunt their moral superiority in group settings.
Business
- The startup flaunted its new funding round to attract top-tier engineering talent.
- The vendor flouted the terms of the non-disclosure agreement.
- The CEO flaunted his charismatic leadership during the quarterly investor meeting.
- The factory flouted OSHA regulations, resulting in massive federal fines.
- The marketing team flaunted the new brand identity at the launch party.
- The corporation flouted consumer protection laws to maximize quarterly profits.
- The manager flaunted his bonus to his subordinates, causing low morale.
- The contractors deliberately flouted the project timeline.
- The brand flaunted its eco-friendly packaging in its latest ad campaign.
- The corporation flouted labor union demands during the negotiation.
- The salesperson flaunted his quarterly numbers to the entire department.
- The board flouted corporate governance guidelines during the merger.
- The company flaunted its high customer satisfaction scores on its website.
- The importers flouted customs regulations to avoid tariffs.
- The executive flaunted her luxurious corner office to the new hires.
- The retailer flouted the pricing agreement with the manufacturer.
- The startup flaunted its rapid user growth to secure venture capital.
- The bank flouted anti-money laundering laws for wealthy clients.
- The tech giant flaunted its new AI technology at the keynote address.
- The management flouted the established HR procedures during the layoffs.
Real-Life Conversations
Office
Colleague 1: Did you see Mark's new sports car in the parking lot?
Colleague 2: Yes, he loves to flaunt his wealth.
Colleague 1: It's a bit much. By the way, did you hear about the budget report?
Colleague 2: Yes, the department flouted the new spending guidelines.
Retail
Customer: Are these items final sale?
Cashier: Yes, but some people try to flout the return policy.
Customer: I saw a woman flaunting a fake designer bag in here yesterday.
Cashier: We don't mind, as long as she doesn't flaunt it to demand a refund.
School
Student: I got an A on my math test!
Teacher: Congratulations, but don't flaunt it to the other students.
Student: I won't. By the way, some kids were flouting the dress code today.
Teacher: I know, I sent them to the principal's office.
Travel
Passenger: That woman is flaunting her expensive jewelry.
Agent: She shouldn't do that. It's dangerous to draw attention to it.
Passenger: Exactly, it's like she's flouting the basic rules of travel safety.
Formal vs Informal Usage
Professional Emails
In professional correspondence, 'flaunt' is used for boasting, while 'flout' is used to warn against policy violations.
Example: We should not flaunt our success, nor should we flout company policies.
Legal Writing
Legal writing uses 'flout' to describe the act of violating laws or court orders.
Example: The defendant continued to flout the restraining order.
Business English
Corporate Compliance
In compliance reports, 'flout' describes the dangerous act of ignoring safety or financial regulations.
Example: Any employee who flouts safety protocols will be terminated.
Marketing
In marketing, 'flaunt' is used positively to encourage customers to show off a product.
Example: Flaunt your new look with our exclusive line of cosmetics.
Academic Writing
Sociology
In sociology, 'flaunt' is used when analyzing how subcultures display status symbols to establish hierarchy.
Example: Gang members often flaunt their colors to assert dominance.
Criminology
In criminology, 'flout' is used to describe the psychological intent of lawbreakers.
Example: White-collar criminals often flout regulations they feel are beneath them.
Common Mistakes
He flouted his wealth.
Correct: He flaunted his wealth.
Why: 'Flaunt' is correct because he is showing off his wealth. You cannot 'flout' a possession.
She flaunted the law.
Correct: She flouted the law.
Why: 'Flout' is correct because she is breaking the law. 'Flaunting the law' is a common error.
They flouted their new car.
Correct: They flaunted their new car.
Why: You 'flaunt' (show off) a physical object like a car.
The company flaunted safety regulations.
Correct: The company flouted safety regulations.
Why: You 'flout' (disregard) regulations. Flaunting regulations makes no sense.
Don't flout your success.
Correct: Don't flaunt your success.
Why: Success is an achievement to be 'flaunted' (shown off), not a rule to be 'flouted'.
He flouted his designer clothes.
Correct: He flaunted his designer clothes.
Why: Clothes are physical items that are 'flaunted' to impress others.
She flaunted the rules of the club.
Correct: She flouted the rules of the club.
Why: Rules are meant to be followed or 'flouted' (broken), not shown off.
The dictator flouted his power.
Correct: The dictator flaunted his power.
Why: Power is an abstract quality that can be 'flaunted' (paraded). 'Flouting power' would mean disregarding it.
They flaunted the speed limit.
Correct: They flouted the speed limit.
Why: The speed limit is a law that was 'flouted' (disregarded).
He likes to flout his intelligence.
Correct: He likes to flaunt his intelligence.
Why: Intelligence is a trait that is 'flaunted' (boasted), not a rule to be broken.
Learning Tips
Memory Trick: Flaunt = Show off
'Flaunt' has an 'a' like 'Apparel' or 'Admire'. If you are showing off your apparel to gain admiration, you are flaunting.
Memory Trick: Flout = Outlaw
'Flout' contains 'out' like 'Outlaw'. An outlaw is someone who flouts the law.
Pronunciation Focus
Notice the vowel sounds. 'Flaunt' uses an /ɔ/ sound and rhymes with 'taunt'. 'Flout' uses an /aʊ/ sound and rhymes with 'shout'.
The Substitute Test
If you can substitute the word with 'show off', use 'flaunt'. If you can substitute it with 'disobey' or 'break', use 'flout'.
Object Check
Look at the object of the verb. If it's a possession, trait, or beauty, use 'flaunt'. If it's a rule, law, or convention, use 'flout'.
🎮 Mini Quiz
Test your knowledge with these interactive questions.
Loading...
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions.
What is the main difference between flaunt and flout?
'Flaunt' means to display something ostentatiously or show off. 'Flout' means to openly disregard, mock, or violate a rule, law, or convention.
Why are flaunt and flout so commonly confused?
They are confused because they sound very similar and are both verbs. Additionally, people sometimes incorrectly assume 'flaunt' can mean 'to stick something in someone's face defiantly,' leading them to use it when they mean 'flout'.
Can 'flaunt' and 'flout' be used interchangeably?
No, they cannot. They have completely different meanings. 'Flaunting the law' is a common error; the correct phrase is 'flouting the law'.
How do you pronounce the difference between flaunt and flout?
'Flaunt' is pronounced /flɔnt/ and rhymes with 'taunt' or 'haunt'. 'Flout' is pronounced /flaʊt/ and rhymes with 'shout' or 'out'.
Is it correct to say 'flaunting the rules'?
No. You 'flout' (break) the rules. You 'flaunt' (show off) your wealth or success. Saying 'flaunting the rules' is grammatically incorrect.
Can 'flout' be used without a direct object?
Rarely. 'Flout' is a transitive verb and almost always requires an object (e.g., 'flout the law'). 'Flaunt' can be used intransitively (e.g., 'She loves to flaunt').
What is a good trick to remember which word to use?
Remember that 'Flout' contains 'out' like an 'outlaw' (someone who breaks the law). 'Flaunt' has an 'a' like 'admire' (what you want people to do when you show off).
What is the noun form of 'flout'?
'Flout' does not have a common noun form, though 'flouter' is occasionally used. The noun form of 'flaunt' is 'flaunting' (as a gerund) or 'flaunt' (rarely).
Do 'flaunt' and 'flout' share the same etymology?
No. 'Flaunt' is of unknown origin but appeared in the 16th century meaning to flutter or show off. 'Flout' comes from the Middle English 'flouten', meaning to play the flute or mock.
Can you 'flaunt' a rule?
No. You can only 'flout' (disregard) a rule. However, you can 'flout' a convention, which means you are openly defying a social norm.
Find words exactly how you need them
Explore our extensive dictionary using different filters and categories.