The word "flout" is a verb that means to openly disregard or show contempt for a rule, law, or convention. Here are some of its synonyms and an analysis of them:
1. Defy
- Meaning: To openly resist or refuse to obey someone or something. For example, "The protesters defied the curfew imposed by the authorities."
- Similarity to "flout": Both "flout" and "defy" imply a bold and open act of not following a rule or authority. They suggest a deliberate and often rebellious attitude towards what is expected or mandated.
- Difference: "Defy" can sometimes carry a stronger sense of resistance or opposition. It may involve a more active stance of standing up against something. "Flout", on the other hand, often emphasizes the act of treating a rule with contempt or scorn, as if it's not even worthy of serious consideration. For example, you might flout a dress code by wearing something completely inappropriate with a nonchalant attitude, while to defy a dress code could involve a more confrontational act of intentionally wearing something to make a statement against it.
2. Disregard
- Meaning: To pay no attention to or ignore something. For example, "He disregarded the warning signs and continued walking."
- Similarity to "flout": They both involve a lack of attention or respect for a particular rule or guideline. In both cases, the person is not following what is expected.
- Difference: "Disregard" can be a more passive act of simply not paying attention or choosing to overlook something. "Flout" is more active and often implies a sense of disrespect or mockery. For example, if you disregard a traffic signal because you were distracted, it's different from flouting the traffic signal with the intention of showing that you don't care about the traffic laws.
3. Ignore
- Meaning: To refuse to take notice of or acknowledge something. For example, "She ignored his advice and did things her own way."
- Similarity to "flout": Similar to "disregard", "ignore" and "flout" both involve not following or paying attention to something. They suggest a lack of compliance with what is recommended or required.
- Difference: "Ignore" is a more general term for simply not paying attention. It doesn't necessarily carry the connotation of disrespect or contempt that "flout" does. You might ignore a minor rule without any intention of challenging it, but to flout a rule implies a more blatant and disrespectful behavior. For example, you can ignore a small notice on a door, but to flout a "No Entry" sign is a more serious act of disobedience.
4. Contravene
- Meaning: To act or be contrary to a law, rule, or code of conduct. For example, "His actions contravened the company's ethical guidelines."
- Similarity to "flout": Both words imply a violation of a rule or principle. They describe behavior that goes against what is considered proper or legal.
- Difference: "Contravene" is a more formal term and is often used in legal or official contexts. It emphasizes the fact that an action is in violation of a specific rule or law. "Flout" is more about the attitude of showing contempt for the rule while violating it. For example, a legal document might state that a certain action contravenes a particular clause, but to flout a social convention is more about the casual and disrespectful way of not following it.