Words / C2

FLAYGR-uh-nt/ˈfleɪɡrənt/

Flagrant means shockingly obvious, of something wrong: a flagrant breach, flagrant disregard. Blatant is a close cousin; obvious is wider and can be neutral. Fragrant means nice-smelling — a classic mix-up. Flagrant is always negative. Do not write flagrant for a conspicuous success.

Meaning

Shockingly obvious, of something wrong (a flagrant breach).

Examples

• “Ignoring the word limit was a flagrant breach of the rules.”
• “Ignoring the word limit was a flagrant breach, not a rounding error.”
• “A fragrant garden is a smell; a flagrant foul is a referee’s problem.”

Good to know

Blatantly wrong; obvious (negative). Close: blatant. Mix-up: fragrant (scent). Not a conspicuous good deed.

Near in meaning

blatant

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