Vocabulary Spotlight
Blatant
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Done openly and unashamedly; obvious and offensive.
“His blatant disregard for the rules caused an uproar among the officials.”
Pronunciation
[ˈbleɪtənt]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Flagrant
Glaring
Undisguised
Outright
Antonyms
Hidden
Concealed
Obscure
Quiet
Related Words
Blatancy (noun)
Word Origin
The word “blatant” originated in the late 16th century. It comes from the Latin word “blatire,” meaning “to babble” or “to bleat,” likely alluding to the noisy, obvious nature of something blatant.
The word was popularized by poet Edmund Spenser in the 16th century, who used it to describe something loud and intrusive. Over time, “blatant” came to refer to anything done in an obviously offensive or shameless way.
Word Family
Adverb: Blatantly – In an obvious and unashamed manner.
Noun: Blatancy – The quality of being blatant; offensively noticeable or obvious.
Mnemonics
Think: “Blatant is like Blare” – loud, obvious, and hard to ignore, just like something that blares out.
Another mnemonic: “Blatantly visible” – when something is blatant, it is as obvious as if it were shouting for attention.
Industry-specific Usage
Advertising
In advertising, blatant strategies might involve over-the-top or excessively obvious marketing techniques, often seen as intrusive or offensive by audiences.
Law
A blatant violation of the law refers to an obvious, intentional breach that leaves little room for interpretation, often increasing legal penalties.
Politics
In politics, a blatant disregard for norms can create scandals, as actions that are obviously self-serving or dishonest are often widely criticized.
In Context
Blatant actions are often perceived negatively, as they can appear unrefined or lacking in subtlety. In social settings, blatant behavior might be deemed rude or inconsiderate, especially if it disregards established norms.
Academically, blatant copying or plagiarism is a serious offense, as it indicates an obvious, unashamed breach of academic integrity.
In daily life, blatant honesty can sometimes be appreciated for its directness, but it can also be unwelcome if it is perceived as tactless or overly harsh.