Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Flagrant"

Date: August 23, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski (Merriam-Webster)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Merriam-Webster’s Peter Sokolowski explores the meaning, origins, and proper usage of the adjective "flagrant." The word of the day is unpacked through historical context, example sentences, and a useful comparison with a similar term, “blatant.” The episode aims to deepen listeners’ vocabulary and clarify nuanced language distinctions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Spelling

• Flagrant (spelled F-L-A-G-R-A-N-T) is an adjective.
• It describes something "conspicuously bad"—so bad it cannot be ignored.
  • [00:34] "Something may be described as flagrant if it is conspicuously bad, that is too bad to be ignored."

2. Example Usage

• Illustrated with a recent example from Smithsonian Magazine:
  • [00:54] "Carlin says the incident highlights just how far people will go to get a good photo, as well as their flagrant lack of accountability."
• Sports context:
  • [01:14] "A flagrant foul in sports involves no flame or literal heat. It's just too conspicuously bad for referees to ignore."

3. Etymology and Historical Meaning

• Derived from Latin:
  • “Flagrare” means "to burn."
  • “Flagrans” means "flaming" or "fiery."
  • [01:27] "Both carry meanings relating to literal flames as well as the figurative flames of passion."
• Evolution:
  • In the 16th century: “Flagrant” meant “flaming” or “fiery,” similar to its Latin root.
  • By the 18th century: The meaning shifted to “conspicuously bad or offensive.”
• Related word: "Conflagration" (still retains the literal “fiery” sense).

4. Usage Note: Flagrant vs. Blatant

• Some usage experts warn against using them interchangeably:
  • [02:10] "While both words apply to noticeable lapses, they are not true synonyms."
    • Blatant: Usually means “noticeably offensive,” drawing attention, often not as deeply moral or egregious as "flagrant."
      • E.g., a “blatant grammatical error.”
    • Flagrant: Implies a serious moral wrongdoing, such as a “flagrant abuse of public office.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:34] "Flagrant is an adjective. Something may be described as flagrant. If it is conspicuously bad, that is too bad to be ignored."
• [00:54] “Claire Moses Carlin says the incident highlights just how far people will go to get a good photo, as well as their flagrant lack of accountability.”
• [01:14] "A flagrant foul in sports involves no flame or literal heat. It's just too conspicuously bad for referees to ignore."
• [01:27] "The roots of the word flagrant are hot, hot, hot. In Latin, flagare means to burn, and flagrans means flaming or fiery."
• [02:10] "Some usage experts warn against using flagrant and blatant interchangeably. While both words apply to noticeable lapses, they are not true synonyms."
• [02:30] "While flagrant carries a heavier connotation of offense, often for violated morality, as in flagrant abuse of public office."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:34] — Introduction and core definition of “flagrant.”
• [00:54] — Real-life example (Smithsonian Magazine, museum context).
• [01:14] — Sports usage and initial etymology.
• [01:27] — Deep dive into Latin roots and the word’s evolution.
• [02:10] — Differentiating “flagrant” and “blatant.”

Tone and Presentation

• The explanation is direct, precise, and slightly playful (“hot, hot, hot”).
• Educational with etymological and usage depth, suitable for language lovers.

Summary

This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day offers a concise yet rich discussion of “flagrant.” Listeners learn not just the meaning (“conspicuously bad; too bad to ignore”) but also fascinating linguistic roots and the distinction between “flagrant” and “blatant.” Peter Sokolowski’s guidance ensures you leave knowing how, and when, to use “flagrant” properly.