flagrant
Flagrant (adj) means Shockingly obvious and clearly wrong; blatant. Example: “It was a flagrant violation of the rules.”
How to use flagrant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo obviously wrong or offensive that it can't be ignored or excused.
Don't confuse with "fragrant" (having a pleasant smell) — the words look similar but are unrelated.
Word forms
more flagrant comparative, most flagrant superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was a _____ violation of the rules.
Etymology
From Latin flagrantem, "burning, blazing," the present participle of flagrare, "to burn" — the sense shifted from literal burning to "glaringly obvious," as if blazing for all to see.
Rhymes for flagrant
See all rhymes for flagrant →Frequently asked questions
What does “flagrant” mean?
The word “flagrant” means shockingly obvious and clearly wrong; blatant. In plain terms, so obviously wrong or offensive that it can't be ignored or excused.
How do you pronounce “flagrant”?
“Flagrant” is pronounced FLAY-gruhnt (/ˈfleɪ.ɡɹənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “flagrant” in a sentence?
Here is “flagrant” used in a sentence: “It was a flagrant violation of the rules.”
What part of speech is “flagrant”?
“Flagrant” is an adjective.
Where does the word “flagrant” come from?
The word “flagrant” comes from Latin. From Latin flagrantem, "burning, blazing," the present participle of flagrare, "to burn" — the sense shifted from literal burning to "glaringly obvious," as if blazing for all to see.