flattery

¹

[ flat-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural flat·ter·ies.

1. the act of flattering.
2. a flattering compliment or speech; excessive, insincere praise.

   Synonyms: pandering, sycophancy

Flattery

²

[ flat-ree ]

noun

1. Cape, a cape in NW Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula, at the entrance to Juan de Fuca Strait.

flattery

/ ˈflætərɪ /

noun

1. the act of flattering
2. excessive or insincere praise

Word History and Origins

Origin of flattery¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English flaterie, from Middle French, equivalent to flat(er) “to flatter” + -erie noun suffix; flatter ¹, -ery

Example Sentences

If members of Congress please him with sufficient flattery, that will likely matter more than a future where Republicans get to focus on their legislative priorities.

From Salon

You might think that “SNL” would come out guns blazing to denounce the Trump win, but instead this week’s cold open joked about the president-elect in a different way: with mock flattery.

From Los Angeles Times

The flattery was quickly flattened.

From Los Angeles Times

But, as Harris's speech should remind us, the crybaby antics and self-victimization are just a cover for what Trump and his acolytes want, which is far more serious than insincere flattery.

From Salon

He used flattery to get a compromising photograph and then use it to blackmail and threaten the children into committing appalling acts or he would publish the images online.

From BBC