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Contemn vs Flout - What's the difference?

contemn | flout |

As verbs the difference between contemn and flout

is that contemn is (archaic) to disdain; to value at little or nothing; to treat or regard with contempt while flout is to express contempt for the rules by word or action.

As a noun flout is

the act by which something is flouted.

contemn

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • (archaic) To disdain; to value at little or nothing; to treat or regard with contempt.
  • *

    • Synonyms

    * despise, scorn * See also

    Related terms

    * contemner * contempt * contemptibility * contemptible * contemptibly * contemptuous

    flout

    English

    Verb

  • To express contempt for the rules by word or action.
  • * 2012 , The Economist, Sep 29th 2012 issue, Tax alchemy: Tech's avoidance
    • The manoeuvres of Microsoft and HP appear to comply with the letter of the regulations, even if they flout their spirit.
  • To scorn.
  • * Walton
    • Phillida flouts me.
  • * Byron
    • Three gaudy standards flout the pale blue sky.

    Usage notes

    * Do not confuse with flaunt.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The act by which something is flouted.
  • * 2012 , John Flowerdew, Discourse in English Language Education (page 97)
    • A flout is when someone deliberately and ostentatiously contravenes a maxim.