flattering

[ flat-er-ing ]

adjective

1. enhancing the appearance of a person or thing, as by highlighting pleasing features or making less pleasing ones inconspicuous:

   You'll receive expert advice on the most flattering shades of makeup for your complexion.

2. causing a person or thing to seem better or more attractive than is really the case:

   She avoids the weakness of many memoirs by not creating an overly flattering picture of herself or her parents.

3. pleasing or gratifying someone by attention or compliments:

   The publisher sent me a very flattering invitation to write a study of Robert Browning.

4. praising or complimenting someone insincerely or excessively, especially in an attempt to curry favor:

   I’m a remarkably accurate judge of people’s character, and am not misled by flattering words or nice clothes.

noun

1. the act of attempting to curry favor by praising or complimenting someone insincerely or excessively:

   After a glass of cognac and much flattering and coaxing, he did finally grant our request.

Other Words From

• flat·ter·ing·ly adverb
• half-flat·ter·ing adjective
• half-flat·ter·ing·ly adverb
• un·flat·ter·ing adjective
• un·flat·ter·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of flattering¹

First recorded in 1200–50; flatter ¹( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective senses; flatter ¹( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun sense

Example Sentences

The popular conception of gulls is not the most flattering.

From Salon

The result is a life of perpetual outrage because the rest of the world seems uninterested in flattering them endlessly about how they are the greatest, smartest, funniest, best boys of all time.

From Salon

Author Roger Kahn, who wrote a flattering book with Rose, “Pete Rose: My Story,” ultimately saw him in a different light.

From Los Angeles Times

It is not at all flattering to the monarchy.

From BBC

McMaster’s book tells us how in 2018, Putin played Trump like a fiddle, flattering his ego and manipulating his insecurities.

From Salon

Related Words

• complimentary