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Flamboyant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flamboyant

[flamหˆbษ”ษชษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

Having a strikingly bold or colorful appearance, often used to describe a person's style or behavior.

Synonyms

bold, exuberant, ostentatious, showy, vibrant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flamboyant

Describes someone who seeks attention and is very colorful or flashy in their behavior, clothing, or style.

  • Her flamboyant dress caught everyone's eye at the party
  • The artist's flamboyant personality made him a favorite on the talk show circuit
exuberant

Used to describe someone very energetic and enthusiastic, often joyfully expressive.

  • The children were exuberant on the first day of summer vacation
  • Her exuberant nature made her the life of the party
vibrant

Conveys liveliness and energy, often used to describe colors, atmospheres, or personalities.

  • The market was vibrant and full of life
  • Her paintings are known for their vibrant colors and bold patterns
ostentatious

Indicates a showy display meant to attract notice or impress others, often seen as pretentious or in poor taste.

  • His ostentatious display of wealth was off-putting to many
  • The mansion's ostentatious decor seemed a bit too much for some guests
showy

Describes something or someone that stands out due to being overly decorated or grandiose, can sometimes carry a negative connotation of trying too hard to attract attention.

  • The showy car was impressive but not very practical
  • She wore a showy gown that sparkled under the lights
bold

Refers to someone daring and courageous, taking significant risks without showing fear.

  • His bold decision to start his own company paid off
  • The explorer made a bold journey into uncharted territory

Examples of usage

  • She wore a flamboyant dress to the party.
  • His flamboyant personality always attracted attention wherever he went.
Context #2 | Adjective

art

Characterized by elaborate or extravagant design, often used to describe a piece of art or architecture.

Synonyms

baroque, elaborate, extravagant, fancy, ornate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flamboyant

Used when describing something or someone that is very noticeable, vibrant, and attracts a lot of attention. It can have a slightly negative connotation if it seems too excessive.

  • Her flamboyant dress made her stand out at the party
  • The actor was known for his flamboyant lifestyle
ornate

Describes something that is elaborately decorated, with lots of intricate details. It is often used for describing objects, buildings, or textiles.

  • The ornate frame of the painting caught everyone's eye
  • The room was filled with ornate furniture and decorations
fancy

Used when referring to something that is decorated, high quality, or overly complex. It can also be used informally to describe something that is impressively complicated or stylish.

  • She wore a fancy dress to the gala
  • The restaurant served a fancy dinner with many courses
extravagant

Used to describe something that is excessively lavish and costly, often implying wastefulness. It generally has a negative connotation.

  • He threw an extravagant party that cost a fortune
  • The company's extravagant spending led to financial troubles
elaborate

Used to describe something that is detailed and complicated in design or planning. It is neutral and focuses on the complexity and detail.

  • Her wedding dress had an elaborate design with intricate lace
  • He gave an elaborate explanation of the theory
baroque

Typically used in reference to a highly detailed and elaborate style of art, architecture, or music originating from the Baroque period (1600-1750). It has a historical and artistic connotation.

  • The church's baroque architecture is awe-inspiring
  • He listens to Baroque music when he wants to relax

Examples of usage

  • The flamboyant decorations on the building made it stand out.
  • The artist's style was flamboyant and unique.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • In the world of fashion, flamboyant styles are often associated with designers like Alexandre McQueen and Vivienne Westwood who celebrate bold colors and dramatic silhouettes.
  • Flamboyant fashion often includes oversized accessories and unique patterns, aiming to make a striking statement.
  • During the 1970s, flamboyant styles became part of the disco culture, with people wearing extravagant outfits to stand out on the dance floor.

Art

  • The flamboyant style is evident in Baroque art, where vibrant colors and extravagant details were used to evoke strong emotions.
  • Artists like Gustav Klimt used flamboyant patterns and colors in their paintings to express richness and emotion.
  • Modern art movements like pop art also embrace a flamboyant palette, often mixing humor with bright visuals.

Psychology

  • People described as flamboyant often exhibit extroverted personalities, drawing attention and radiating energy in social situations.
  • Flamboyance can also be a coping mechanism, where individuals express themselves vividly to cope with shyness or inhibition.
  • Research shows that flamboyant self-expression can enhance social connections, as it often invites interactions and engagement.

Entertainment

  • The flamboyant characters in films and television, such as Freddy Mercury in 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' showcase bold personalities that inspire memorable performances.
  • Broadway musicals often feature flamboyant costumes and characters, enhancing the overall excitement and theatricality of the show.
  • Reality shows like 'RuPaul's Drag Race' celebrate flamboyant self-expression through drag performance, showcasing creativity and personality.

Origin of 'flamboyant'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French word 'flamboyer,' meaning 'to flame' or 'to blaze,' connecting it to bright and fiery colors.
  • It was first used in English in the early 19th century, originally to describe something resembling flames or that is very bright.
  • In architecture, it refers to a particular style characterized by intricate designs and boldness.

The word 'flamboyant' originated from the French word 'flambe', meaning flame or blaze. It was first used in English in the mid-19th century to describe extravagant or showy behavior. Over time, the term evolved to also refer to bold and colorful appearances, particularly in fashion and design.

See also: enflame, flambeau, flamboyance, flamelet, flamer, flames, flamethrower, flaming, flammable, inflame, inflaming, inflammable, inflammation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,141, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.