5. One of the most common errors I encounter in both printed and spoken English is a confusion between the words 'flout' and 'flaunt'. Which of the two words, if either, means to 'openly disregard' something?
From Quiz Words Easily Confused
Answer:
Flout
The word flout comes from the Dutch 'fluiten', meaning 'whistle, play the flute'. Its archaic meaning, to mock, somewhat relates to its more modern meaning, to 'openly disregard' a rule, or some other formally established institution.
The word flaunt is in no way related to flout. To flaunt means to display something (wealth, for example) ostentatiously.
Typically, the word flaunt is used in cases where the word flout should be used (ex. He decided to flaunt the rules and not wear a tie.)