Flagrance

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The state of being remarkably offensive or shockingly poor can be exhibited in actions that are blatantly immoral or unethical
2. This concept embodies a pronounced and evident disregard for acceptable standards, particularly in behavior
3. A quality of being conspicuously wrong or shockingly improper in behavior or actions

Etymology: Flagrance is a noun meaning glaring, offensive conduct, and its roots lie in the Latin verb "flagrare", meaning "to burn" or "to blaze". The same root gave English "flagrant", a word that began as something literally on fire before it came to describe an offence so obvious it seems to blaze. The metaphor runs through the whole family: a flagrant wrong is one committed in full view, as if it were burning brightly enough for everyone to see. The noun "flagrance" is formed by adding the suffix "-ance" to the adjective "flagrant". English has long used this pattern to turn an adjective of quality into a noun for that quality, so "flagrance" simply names the state or behaviour of being flagrant. It is a fairly uncommon word, mostly found in formal or legal-leaning writing, where it carries the same sense of an offence that is open and unashamed.

Synonyms: fragrance, aroma

Antonyms: stench