Flagrant
/ˈfleɪɡrənt/
Definitions
Conspicuously or obviously offensive; glaring; outrageous.
/ˈfleɪɡrənt/
Conspicuously offensive or bad; clearly wrong.
The referee called a flagrant foul after the player's aggressive tackle.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone cutting in line repeatedly, right in front of everyone. That's flagrant behavior – it’s so obvious and rude that it's impossible to miss!
👶 For kids: When something is flagrant, it means it's very bad and everyone can see it, like when someone breaks a rule on purpose.
More Examples
Her flagrant dishonesty damaged her reputation.
The company's flagrant disregard for environmental regulations drew public criticism.
How It's Used
"The flagrant violation of the treaty led to international sanctions."
"His flagrant disregard for the rules caused a scandal."
"The flagrant disregard for safety regulations led to the accident."
From Latin *flagrans* (burning, blazing), the present participle of *flagrare* (to burn, blaze). Originally referred to something that was burning or on fire, later evolved to describe something conspicuously bad or offensive.
Used since the 16th century, often in legal and moral contexts to describe egregious offenses.
Memory tip
Think of a 'flag' that is 'ranting' and waving in your face, being obviously bad.
Word Origin
"to burn, blaze"