Flagrancy

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The quality of being glaringly evident in a transgression or moral failing
2. The state of being clearly evident in a wrongful act or offense
3. A condition marked by overt and unmistakable misconduct

Etymology: Flagrancy comes from the Latin verb "flagrare," meaning "to burn" or "to blaze," and the adjective "flagrans," "blazing." The image is of something so bright and conspicuous that it cannot be missed, which is why a flagrant offence is one committed in plain view, with no attempt at concealment. The Latin root gave English "flagrant" first, and "flagrancy" is the noun formed from that adjective by adding the suffix "-cy," which turns an adjective quality into a noun of state. The sense of blazing or burning has faded from everyday use, and the word now refers only to the brazenness of a wrong.

Synonyms: blatancy, outrageousness

Antonyms: subtlety, modesty