Words / C1

BLAYTNT/ˈbleɪtnt/

Blatant means obvious in a shameless, often offensive way: a blatant lie, blatant favouritism. Obvious is everyday and neutral; flagrant is a close formal synonym. Blatantly is the adverb (blatantly unfair). Use it when the wrongness is on display, not for a merely clear fact. In speech, obvious and shameless or out in the open is enough.

Meaning

Very obvious, in a way that is offensive or shameless.

Examples

• “That was a blatant lie.”
• “That was a blatant attempt to skip the queue.”
• “The advert made a blatant appeal to fear, not to evidence.”

Good to know

blatant lie / disregard. Shamelessly obvious. Everyday: obvious (neutral). Close: flagrant.

Near in meaning

flagrant

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