What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ostentate
Example
The millionaire's mansion was ostentatious, with gold-plated fixtures and marble floors. [ostentatious: adjective]
Example
She ostentatiously displayed her designer handbag and expensive jewelry at the party. [ostentatiously: adverb]
flaunt
Example
He flaunted his new sports car by driving it around the neighborhood. [flaunted: verb]
Example
She flaunted her toned abs and muscular arms at the beach. [flaunting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flaunt is more commonly used than ostentate in everyday language. Flaunt is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ostentate is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ostentate and flaunt?
Ostentate is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while flaunt is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
