What does flauntingly mean?
Flauntingly is an adverb derived from the verb 'flaunt', meaning to behave or act in a way that shows something off openly and ostentatiously, typically without shame or restraint. Someone who acts flauntingly deliberately invites attention — wearing expensive jewellery provocatively, displaying wealth conspicuously, or parading an attribute others might conceal. The word carries a distinctly disapproving connotation: it suggests vanity, immodesty, or a brazen disregard for social tact. In practice it is an uncommon word; most writers reach instead for 'ostentatiously' or 'showily', reserving 'flauntingly' for emphasis when the shamelessness of the display itself is the point. It belongs to a small family that includes the verb 'flaunt', the participles 'flaunting' and 'flaunted'. Learners should also note the long-standing confusion between 'flaunt' (to show off) and 'flout' (to defy rules), which leads many people to write 'flaunting the rules' when 'flouting the rules' is meant — a distinction that applies equally to the adverbial forms.
adverbIn a manner that displays something ostentatiously or shamelessly, especially to attract attention; done openly and without restraint or embarrassment.
- In an ostentatious or showy manner, so as to attract conspicuous attention.
"She wore her grandmother's diamonds flauntingly, daring anyone to comment on their provenance."
"He strode flauntingly through the lobby in his fur coat, relishing every turned head."
"The nouveau riche displayed their wealth flauntingly, while the old families kept theirs quietly hidden."
People have been mixing up 'flaunt' and 'flout' for centuries — and adding '-ingly' to either one doubles the chance of catching a writer out.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of flauntingly
Flauntingly is formed simply by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly' to 'flaunt', a verb first recorded in English in the sixteenth century. The ultimate origin of 'flaunt' itself is uncertain: it appears suddenly in early Modern English, and etymologists have various proposed a Scandinavian source connected to words meaning to toss or brandish about, though no derivation has been definitively established. The adverb followed later, once '-ly' derivatives of manner verbs became routine in English.
Related word forms
How flauntingly is actually used
A rare adverb; the base verb 'flaunt' is far more common in everyday use, and writers more often express this meaning with 'ostentatiously' or 'brazenly'. The word carries a strongly negative connotation of shameless, provocative display. Because 'flaunt' is so often confused with 'flout', any use of 'flauntingly' should be checked to make sure showy display, not rule-breaking, is intended.
Easily confused with flauntingly
Flaunting means showing something off ostentatiously, while flouting means openly disregarding a rule or convention — 'flaunting the law' is a widespread misuse of what should be 'flouting the law'.