Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

flout

/flaʊt/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 2.25 in modern English

Syllables: flout
IPA: /flaʊt/

8

Scrabble Score

5

Letters

1

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To express contempt for (laws, rules, etc.) by word or action.

Transitive verb

verb

Archaic; Transitive verb

noun

The act by which something is flouted; violation of a law.

noun

A mockery or insult.

Example Sentences

"The manoeuvres of Microsoft and HP appear to comply with the letter of the regulations, even if they flout their spirit."
"Of necessity[…] the duty to comply with the rules designed to spare civilians as much as possible the hazards of war is absolute, not contingent on the behavior of opponents. The Israeli government already seems to be flouting those rules."
"Yet all ' s not worth a pin, But could not get her; Phillida flouts me. Dick had her to the Vine"
"Three gaudy standards flout the pale blue sky."
"A flout is when someone deliberately and ostentatiously contravenes a maxim."

Etymology

Perhaps from Middle English flouten (“to play the flute”); compare with Dutch fluiten.

Origin

Source language: Middle English

Word Breakdown

Root: flouten

Usage

Inflected Forms

flouts (present, singular) flouting (participle, present) flouted (participle, past) flouted (past) flouts (plural)

Derived Forms

flouter floutingly unflouted

Phrases

flout at

Synonyms

fleer jeer flout gird jibe scoff scorn barrack gibe

Rhymes With

about out all-out without throughout doubt stake-out shout bout scout drought trout

Questions

How do you pronounce flout?: The recorded pronunciation is /flaʊt/.
What does flout mean?: To express contempt for (laws, rules, etc.) by word or action.
Where does flout come from?: It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce flout

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “flout”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/flaʊt/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
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