adjective

blatant

/ˈbleɪtənt/ · say it: BLAY·tuhnt

done openly and unashamedly

In Sophisticated Everyday

In more detail

1. (adjective) very obvious and done openly, without trying to hide something wrong or bad

2. (adjective) done in a way that shows a complete lack of respect or shame

Examples

1. It was a blatant lie that everyone could see through.
2. His blatant disregard for the rules angered the teachers.

How to use blatant

Blatant describes something wrongful or improper that is done openly and shamelessly, without any attempt at concealment. It carries strong disapproval and is used when the offense is unmistakable and bold rather than hidden. It differs from subtle in degree of obviousness and from flagrant mainly in frequency of use (blatant is more common in everyday English).

Common phrases

blatant lie
blatant violation
blatant disregard
blatant attempt
blatant discrimination

Synonyms

flagrant · glaring · obvious · egregious · shameless

Opposites

subtle · concealed · discreet

Word family

blatantly (adverb) · blatancy (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use blatant to mean merely obvious or clear when no wrongdoing is involved; it should apply to something wrong or disrespectful that is done openly.

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