WordGarden.ioblatantly
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /blˈeɪtəntli/
US
- /ˈbleɪtəntli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a very obvious, often offensively open way
Beyond the definition
If someone does something blatantly, they do it in a very noticeable, open, and unhidden way—like a kid who blatantly grabs an extra cookie while staring right at a parent. It usually carries a stronger judgment than obviously: the action feels bold, unapologetic, and often improper. Think of it as acting in broad daylight, even when you know it should have been kept quiet. A politician might blatantly lie to the public despite the facts being clear, or a driver might blatantly ignore a stop sign in front of a police officer. It's about being obviously wrong in a way that is hard to hide.
The word blatantly describes something done in an obvious, direct, and unashamed way. It implies a lack of concealment; the person is not trying to hide their action, but doing it in the open where everyone can see. It also often signals a negative judgment: the behavior is plainly noticeable and usually inappropriate, rude, or against accepted standards. For example, "He blatantly disregarded the game rules," or "The company was accused of blatantly misleading investors." It is also used for statements: "Her report was blatantly false."
Blatantly is most often used when discussing actions or claims that violate what people expect. While you can technically say "She blatantly showed her support," it sounds odd because the word usually points to a breach of norms, not a neutral act. So if something is impossible to miss and clearly out of line, it can often be described as blatantly.
Examples
- 1
Dishonesty
He blatantly lied about where he had been.
- 2
Company behavior
The company blatantly ignored basic safety rules.
- 3
Unfair treatment
It was blatantly unfair to change the deadline at the last minute.
- 4
Offensive joke
Some viewers complained that the joke was blatantly sexist.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Copying
They copied our website so blatantly that even the colors were the same.
- 6
Clear truth
It was blatantly obvious that she already knew the answer.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- blatantly obvious
- blatantly false
- blatantly ignore
- blatantly unfair
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- blatantlyadverb