flatter

¹ American  

[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.

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verb (used without object)

1. to use flattery.

flatter ² American  

[flat-er] / ˈflæt ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that makes something flat.

2. a flat-faced blacksmith's tool, laid on a forging and struck with a hammer to smooth the surface of the forging.

3. a drawplate with a flat orifice for drawing flat metal strips, as for watch springs.

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flatter ¹ British  

/ ˈflætə /

verb

1. to praise insincerely, esp in order to win favour or reward

2. to show to advantage

   that dress flatters her

3. (tr) 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. (tr) to beguile with hope; encourage, esp falsely

   this success flattered him into believing himself a champion

6. (tr) to congratulate or deceive (oneself)

   I flatter myself that I am the best

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flatter ² British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• flatterable adjective
• flatterer noun
• flatteringly adverb
• unflatterable adjective

Etymology

Origin of flatter¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English flat(t)eren “to float, flutter, fawn upon,” Old English floterian “to float, flutter”; for sense development, flicker ¹, Old Norse flathra; reinforced by Old French flatter “to flatter,” literally, “to stroke, caress” (probably from unattested Frankish flat- flat ¹ )

Origin of flatter²

First recorded in 1705–15; flat ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Contemporary newspapers published flattering portraits apparently written by publicists on Dillon’s dime.

From The Wall Street Journal

Real GDP was likely also flattered by statistical effects like a low base and weak deflators, DBS’s economic team said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Given how bloody these three contact sports can get, it’s no wonder the venue grew to be known by a less flattering yet more apt name, “The Theatre of Violence.”

From Los Angeles Times

Asked about it on Friday afternoon, Brash said he’s flattered by all the attention it’s getting … but he didn’t even think that was the best slider he threw in the seventh inning Thursday.

From Seattle Times

“It all was pretty hard. I was a little embarrassed. I was flattered and I was scared,” the showman said of the musical.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• charm