Flaunt / Flout

Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse people. I have found the following to be among them:

FLAUNT / FLOUT

The verb flaunt means to display in an ostentatious manner in order to attract public notice; flout means to taunt or to disregard in an openly contemptuous manner.

INCORRECT: Meredith flouted her wealth by wearing diamond necklaces and rings wherever she went, even when visiting the orphanage.

CORRECT: Meredith flaunted her wealth by wearing diamond necklaces and rings wherever she went, even when visiting the orphanage.

INCORRECT: Sally flaunted the law by speeding away from the courthouse after paying her traffic ticket.

CORRECT: Sally flouted the law by speeding away from the courthouse after paying her traffic ticket.

© 2023 Ann Henry, all rights reserved.

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