Flamboyant

/flæmˈbɔɪənt/

adjectivemedium📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Tending to attract attention because of their exuberance, confidence, and stylishness. Marked by elaborate ornamentation; showy; florid.

/flæmˈbɔɪənt/

adjectivepositivemedium
General

Having a showy, confident, and exciting manner.

The flamboyant dancer captivated the crowd with his energetic performance.

💡 Simply: Think of someone who loves to make a big entrance and isn't afraid to stand out. They might wear bright colors, talk loudly, and always be the center of attention - that's flamboyant!

👶 For kids: When someone is flamboyant, it means they love to show off and be super noticeable, like a colorful bird or a sparkly costume!

More Examples

2

She always wears flamboyant outfits to parties, making her the center of attention.

3

The flamboyant decorations transformed the room into a vibrant spectacle.

How It's Used

Fashion

"The designer's flamboyant style always turned heads on the runway."

Performance Arts

"The actor gave a flamboyant performance, captivating the audience."

Social

"He was known for his flamboyant personality and colorful clothing."

2

Characterized by elaborate or showy ornamentation; florid. (of architecture) characterized by intricate ornamentation suggestive of flames or fire.

/flæmˈbɔɪənt/

adjectiveneutralmedium
General

Characterized by elaborate ornamentation or showy display.

The palace was decorated in a flamboyant style, with gilded ceilings and ornate carvings.

💡 Simply: Imagine a building or artwork that's covered in fancy details and decorations – that would be flamboyant.

👶 For kids: When a building or artwork is flamboyant, it's super fancy with lots of exciting and colorful decorations!

More Examples

2

The flamboyant architecture of the cathedral featured intricate stained-glass windows.

How It's Used

Architecture

"The flamboyant style of Gothic architecture is known for its elaborate ornamentation."

Art and Design

"The artist's flamboyant use of color made the painting striking."

Tip:Flamboyant architecture has flames – lots of decorations, like fire!

From French *flamboyant*, literally 'flaming,' from *flamber* 'to flame'. Originally referred to architecture and then extended to describe people known for their extravagant behavior or appearance.

Originally used to describe architectural styles, particularly Gothic, before broadening to include human behavior and appearance in the 19th century.

Memory tip

Imagine a flame (flamboyant) that's big, bright, and catches everyone's eye. It's not subtle!

Word Origin

LanguageFrench
Original meaning

"flaming"

flamboyant styleflamboyant personalityflamboyant dancerflamboyant outfitsflamboyant architectureflamboyant use of color

Common misspellings

flambouyantflamboyentflamboiant

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written