Definition
Flagrant refers to something that is obviously or glaringly wrong, offensive, or immoral, and which provokes anger, outrage, or disapproval.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective.
Synonyms
Blatant, egregious, heinous, outrageous, scandalous, shocking, glaring, gross.
Antonyms
Inconspicuous, subtle, unobtrusive, minor, insignificant.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | None |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | flagrant |
| Adverb | flagrantly |
Example Sentences
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The company’s flagrant disregard for safety regulations led to the tragic accident.
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The politician’s flagrant abuse of power sparked nationwide protests.
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The athlete’s flagrant foul earned him an immediate ejection from the game.
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The teacher’s flagrant favoritism towards certain students was a source of frustration for the rest of the class.
Usage
The word flagrant comes from the Latin word “flagrare”, which means to burn. The use of flagrant in English dates back to the 16th century, and originally meant something that was burning or flaming. Over time, the meaning of the word has evolved to its current sense of something that is conspicuously wrong or offensive.
The word flagrant is often used to describe behavior or actions that are considered morally reprehensible or illegal. It is typically used to express a strong sense of disapproval or outrage, and often implies that the wrongdoing is so obvious that it cannot be ignored. Flagrant can be used in a wide variety of contexts, such as sports, politics, law, and business. For example, a flagrant foul in basketball is a deliberate and excessive physical contact that is considered a violation of the rules. In politics, a politician’s flagrant corruption can damage their reputation and lead to public calls for their resignation.
In legal contexts, flagrant is often used in conjunction with the term “flagrante delicto”, which means “caught in the act” in Latin. This refers to a situation where someone is caught in the act of committing a crime, making it clear that they are guilty beyond any doubt. The use of the word flagrant in this context emphasizes the seriousness of the crime and the blatant nature of the wrongdoing.
Prefixes or suffixes that can be used with flagrant include “pre-flagrant” and “post-flagrant”, which refer to a situation before or after something becomes blatantly obvious or wrong. For example, pre-flagrant violations of safety regulations could be addressed through preventative measures, while post-flagrant violations would require punitive action.