Flagrant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐จ
flagrant
[หflฤษกrษnt ]
Definition
offensive behavior
Flagrant describes something that is shockingly obvious or conspicuously offensive. It is often used to refer to actions that are brazenly wrong or immoral. For example, a flagrant foul in sports indicates a serious violation of the rules that is blatant and cannot be overlooked. The term can also apply to other contexts such as law or ethics. Essentially, a flagrant act is one that draws attention due to its outrageousness.
Synonyms
blatant, conspicuous, egregious, outrageous.
Examples of usage
- The referee called a flagrant foul during the basketball game.
- Her flagrant disregard for the rules upset everyone.
- The company's flagrant violation of environmental laws led to severe penalties.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal terms, a 'flagrant foul' in sports is a very serious infraction, often leading to significant penalties.
- The concept of 'flagrant misconduct' refers to actions that are egregious and often receive public outrage.
Pop Culture
- Flagrant behavior is often highlighted in reality TV shows where contestants break rules dramatically.
- In movies, characters are sometimes portrayed as flagrant violators of laws or social norms for comedic or dramatic effect.
Psychology
- Flagrant behavior can indicate a person's disregard for social rules, often leading to discussions about moral responsibility in psychology.
- People who engage in flagrant acts may seek attention or rebel against established norms, showcasing aspects of their personality.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters known for flagrant disregard for societal rules often serve as cautionary tales.
- Poets sometimes use 'flagrant' to describe vivid, unrestrained emotions or actions that challenge social decorum.
Origin of 'flagrant'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'flagrant' comes from the Latin word 'flagrans', which means 'burning' โ suggesting something glaring or shocking.
- It entered the English language in the early 15th century to describe actions that are extremely obvious and wrong.
The word 'flagrant' originated in the early 15th century, coming from the Latin word 'flagrans', which means 'burning' or 'blazing'. The root word 'flagrare' means 'to blaze' or 'to burn'. In its early use, it referred to something literally burning, but over time, the meaning evolved into a metaphorical sense, describing actions that are glaringly wrong or evil, akin to something burning in plain sight. The transition of the word's meaning reflects its application in various contexts, especially law and ethics, where it signifies actions that cannot be ignored or that demand attention due to their extreme nature. By the 17th century, it had settled into its modern usage, focusing on the scandalous and overt aspects of behavior.