flatter

¹

[flat-er]

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)

1. to use flattery.

flatter

²

[flat-er]

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.

flatter

¹

/ 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

flatter

²

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of flatter¹

C13: probably from Old French flater to lick, fawn upon, of Frankish origin

Example Sentences

It’s flattering and nice but after what I’ve experienced in my career, you cannot possibly predict how things are going to go.

From Los Angeles Times

The advantage they forged for themselves here flattered them as they piled up mistakes at the back and carelessly conceded possession with regularity.

From BBC

"Perhaps this was all intended to deceive and flatter Putin, and push him into following the White House's strategy," Kovalenko said.

From BBC

On the pitch they often flattered to deceive, playing nice passing moves through the thirds but ultimately falling short up top.

From BBC

That anyone remembers he played at all is both flattering and befuddling for Ardell, who receives about a dozen autograph requests in the mail each year.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• charm