flatter1

[flat-er] /ˈflæt ər/
verb (used with object)
1.
to try to please by complimentary remarks or attention.
2.
to praise or compliment insincerely, effusively, or excessively:
She flatters him by constantly praising his books.
3.
to represent favorably; gratify by falsification:
The portrait flatters her.
4.
to show to advantage:
a hairstyle that flatters the face.
5.
to play upon the vanity or susceptibilities of; cajole, wheedle, or beguile:
They flattered him into contributing heavily to the foundation.
6.
to please or gratify by compliments or attentions:
I was flattered by their invitation.
7.
to feel satisfaction with (oneself), especially with reference to an accomplishment, act, or occasion:
He flattered himself that the dinner had gone well.
8.
to beguile with hope; encourage prematurely, falsely, etc.
verb (used without object)
9.
to use flattery.
Origin
1175-1225; Middle English flat(t)eren to float, flutter, fawn upon, Old English floterian to float, flutter; for sense development, cf. flicker1, Old Norse flathra; reinforced by Old French flatter to flatter, literally, to stroke, caress (probably < Frankish *flat- flat1)
Related forms
flatterable, adjective
flatterer, noun
flatteringly, adverb
half-flattered, adjective
half-flattering, adjective
half-flatteringly, adverb
unflatterable, adjective
unflattered, adjective
unflattering, adjective
unflatteringly, adverb
Examples from the web for flattering
  • It went without saying the portraits should be flattering.
  • Lanza and his company have had plenty of experience in the spotlight, but the attention has not always been flattering.
  • The blob sculpin's name may not be flattering but it does capture a bit of the animal's essence.
  • Most people feel softer portraits are more flattering because they de-emphasize more severe features.
  • Despite a little waist room, they are flattering and comfortable.
  • Today's scientists say less flattering things about fossil dealers.
  • The former is strenuous the latter not flattering to our egos.
  • But choose a flattering color, as others have noted.
  • As flattering as it might be to be asked to give an interview on a topic, you are under no obligation to grant the interview.
  • Thanks so much for sending me the information on the xx position and your flattering offer of an interview.
British Dictionary definitions for flattering

flatter1

/ˈflætə/
verb
1.
to praise insincerely, esp in order to win favour or reward
2.
to show to advantage: that dress flatters her
3.
(transitive) to make to appear more attractive, etc, than in reality
4.
to play upon or gratify the vanity of (a person): it flatters her to be remembered
5.
(transitive) to beguile with hope; encourage, esp falsely: this success flattered him into believing himself a champion
6.
(transitive) to congratulate or deceive (oneself): I flatter myself that I am the best
Derived Forms
flatterable, adjective
flatterer, noun
flatteringly, adverb
Word Origin
C13: probably from Old French flater to lick, fawn upon, of Frankish origin

flatter2

/ˈflætə/
noun
1.
a blacksmith's tool, resembling a flat-faced hammer, that is placed on forged work and struck to smooth the surface of the forging
2.
a die with a narrow rectangular orifice for drawing flat sections
Word Origin and History for flattering
adj.

late 14c., "pleasing to the imagination," present participle adjective from flatter. Meaning "gratifying to self-esteem" is from 1757. Related: Flatteringly.

flatter

v.

early 13c., from Old French flater "to flatter" (13c.), originally "stroke with the hand, caress," from Frankish *flat "palm, flat of the hand" (see flat (adj.)). "[O]ne of many imitative verbs beginning with fl- and denoting unsteady or light, repeated movement" [Liberman]. Related: Flattered; flattering.