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flare out

B2 neutral intransitive
In simple words

To get wider or spread outward at the ends, like the bottom of a skirt.

Literal meaning: Like a flare rocket spreading its light outward — something widening from a central point.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

To widen gradually toward the bottom or end, like a flared skirt or trouser leg.

"The dress flared out from the waist into a full, dramatic skirt."

2 B2 neutral

For a flame or light to spread outward suddenly.

"The torch flared out in the darkness, illuminating the cave walls."

Usage notes

Used in fashion to describe skirts or trousers widening at the hem. Also used for fire or light spreading outward. Less common than 'flare up'. 'Flared' as an adjective ('flared jeans') is much more common than the verb form.

Commonly used with

skirt trousers jeans hem nostrils flame

Forms

Base
flare out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
flares out
he/she/it
Past simple
flared out
yesterday
Past participle
flared out
have + pp
-ing form
flaring out
continuous

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Synonyms

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