flaunt

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "flaunt" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb meaning to display or show off something in an ostentatious or arrogant way. For example, "He liked to flaunt his fancy car whenever he had the chance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though all-you-can-eat buffets still abound, a growing band of pioneers now flaunt good food, cooked right: not just standards from Canton or Sichuan, but Shanghainese dumplings (bursting with ginger-scented broth) or Taiwan's finest stew, "three cups" chicken.Amid the new opportunities, however, some veterans are struggling.

The Economist

Shareholders at the gate Some you win, some you lose Storm in a test tube Maharajahs in the shopping mall If you've got it, don't flaunt it Shall we play a game?

The Economist

DUBAI'S rich will soon have yet another way to flaunt their wealth, when the Burj al-Arab hotel starts selling its guests custom-made 24-carat gold iPads.

The Economist

California's governor, Jerry Brown, who received a Jesuit education and likes to flaunt his classical learning, has of late been using the phrase to describe a war of all against all in the Golden State.

The Economist

Companies tied to the Revolutionary Guard, which generally backs Mr Ahmadinejad but must answer to the supreme leader, Mr Khamenei, flaunt the dominance they enjoy in such fields as hydrocarbons and civil engineering.

The Economist

During a time of ideological waffle, it is an issue which India's opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can use to flaunt its nationalistic (oftentimes pro-Hindu, ie anti-Muslim) credentials and to attack Congress at a weak spot its perceived softness towards illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, most of them Muslims.

The Economist

CITIES across China blink with fairy lights, fancy hotels flaunt trees and tinsel, and glossy magazine covers display festive recipes and table settings.

The Economist

While he and his 13 wives flaunt their opulence, most of his 1.2m subjects struggle to survive.

The Economist

MAIMONIDES, a 12th-century rabbi and philosopher, argued that it is better to give anonymously, like the sages who secretly placed coins under the doors of the poor, than to flaunt your generosity.

The Economist

Politicians flaunt pickups as proof that they are regular folk.

The Economist

But, as Ms Greig notes, every social event was also a power play, a way to flaunt one's membership to this exclusive group.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "flaunt", ensure that the context implies a degree of showiness or ostentation. It's not simply about displaying something, but doing so in a way that seeks attention or admiration.

Common error

Avoid using "flaunt" when a more neutral term like "display" or "show" would be more appropriate. "Flaunt" carries a connotation of pride and a desire to impress, so it shouldn't be used in contexts where that isn't the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flaunt" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of displaying something ostentatiously, typically to provoke envy or admiration. Ludwig provides examples where "flaunt" is used to describe displaying wealth, skills, or achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "flaunt" is a verb that means to display or show off something in an ostentatious way. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Primarily found in News & Media, "flaunt" is used to describe actions intended to impress or provoke envy. When using "flaunt", ensure the context conveys a sense of showiness and a desire to seek attention. Alternatives include "show off", "display ostentatiously", and "parade proudly", each with slightly different nuances. Avoid using "flaunt" when a simpler term like "display" is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show off

Implies a more boastful or attention-seeking display.

vaunt

A more formal and less common synonym for flaunt, emphasizing pride and boasting.

display ostentatiously

Highlights the extravagant and often excessive nature of the display.

parade proudly

Suggests a public and celebratory exhibition.

exhibit conspicuously

Emphasizes the noticeable and deliberate nature of the display.

brandish boldly

Implies a confident and assertive display, often of something held in the hand.

make a spectacle of

Suggests a dramatic and perhaps excessive public display.

put on show

A more general term for displaying something, without necessarily implying pride or ostentation.

trot out

Suggests a somewhat tired or predictable display, often of something that has been shown many times before.

air publicly

Implies bringing something into the open for public attention, often something that was previously private.

FAQs

How do you use "flaunt" in a sentence?

Use "flaunt" to describe showing off something in a boastful or ostentatious way. For example, "She likes to flaunt her expensive jewelry at parties."

What's the difference between "flaunt" and "display"?

"Flaunt" implies a showy, boastful display, while "display" is a more neutral term for simply showing something.

What can I say instead of "flaunt"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "show off", "parade", or "exhibit".

Is it grammatically correct to say "flaunt with"?

While you can "flaunt" something, it's more common to simply "flaunt" the object itself. Using "flaunt with" is less frequent and can sound awkward. For instance, say "She flaunted her wealth" instead of "She flaunted with her wealth".