Flaunt vs Flout: What’s the difference?

Many words in English are commonly confused by both those learning the language and native speakers alike. Two such words are “flaunt” and “flout”. These words are commonly confused due to their similar pronunciations. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the difference between “flaunt” and “flout” and how to use them correctly in a sentence when speaking or writing.

Check out other easily confused words in English by visiting this page. Teachers and students can download this guide as a PDF file using the link at the bottom of the page.

Flaunt

“Flaunt” is a verb that means to display something proudly or conspicuously, often in an attempt to show off. It can also mean to parade oneself or to show off one’s possessions. The object of “flaunt” is the thing being displayed or shown off.

How to use “flaunt” in a sentence:

1. She was flaunting her new dress at the party.
2. He likes to flaunt his wealth with expensive cars and watches.
3. The company likes to flaunt its success with flashy advertisements.
4. The athlete flaunted his Olympic medal to everyone.
5. She was flaunting her French accent to impress her new friends.
6. They like to flaunt their political connections in social circles.

Flout

“Flout” is a verb that means to openly disregard or disobey a law, rule, or convention. It can also mean to mock or scoff at something. The object of “flout” is the law, rule, or convention being disregarded or mocked.

How to use “flout” in a sentence:

1. The company was fined for flouting environmental regulations.
2. He was flouting the dress code by wearing ripped jeans to work.
3. The protesters were flouting the curfew and stayed out past midnight.
4. The children were flouting their teacher’s authority by talking loudly during class.
5. She was flouting tradition by marrying outside of her religion.
6. It’s not fair for someone to flout the rules while others are following them.

Why are “flaunt” and “flout” commonly confused?

The words “flaunt” and “flout” are commonly confused because they sound very similar and are often used in similar contexts. However, they have opposite meanings. “Flaunt” means to display or show off, while ”flout” means to disregard or disobey. It’s important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Summary

flaunt – a verb to display something proudly or conspicuously

flout – a verb to openly disregard or disobey a law, rule, or convention

Do you know the difference between “flaunt” and “flout”?

Fill in the blanks in the following activity with the correct form of the word (“flaunt” or “flout”):

1. The celebrity likes to _____ her extravagant lifestyle on social media.
2. The company was fined for _____ safety regulations in its factories.
3. He was criticized for _____ his wealth in front of people who are less fortunate.
4. The student decided to _____ the teacher’s instructions and leave class early.
5. The wealthy businessman likes to _____ his collection of vintage cars at exclusive events.
6. The group of teenagers decided to _____ the curfew and stay out past midnight.
7. She was accused of _____ the school’s dress code by wearing a revealing outfit.
8. The politician was caught _____ the law by accepting bribes from corporations.
9. The new employee was told not to _____ his previous work experience during the job interview.
10. The activist decided to _____ the government’s ban on public gatherings by organizing a protest.

Answers: 1. flaunt, 2. flouting, 3. flaunting, 4. flout, 5. flaunt, 6. flout, 7. flouting, 8. flouting, 9. flaunt, 10. flout