English Dictionary

Definition of “flattering”

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Word Frequency

Word Frequency of flattering

flattering (ˈflætərɪŋ) 

Definitions

adjective

  1. (pejorative) insincerely praising ⇒ His flattering tongue had won many women over. ⇒ A few flattering remarks had Tony eating out of her hand.
  2. gratifying to the ego; pleasing ⇒ There were pleasant and flattering obituaries about him. ⇒ It is all terribly flattering and she is trying to reply to every single letter personally.
  3. that shows someone or something to advantage ⇒ Her hair has been cut in a shorter, more flattering style. ⇒ Some styles are so flattering that they instantly become classics. ⇒ It wasn't a very flattering photograph.

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= becoming, kind, effective, enhancing, well-chosen,
= ingratiating, complimentary, gratifying, fawning, sugary, fulsome, laudatory, adulatory, honeyed, honey-tongued,
= pleasing, satisfying, gratifying, pleasurable

flatter1 (ˈflætə Pronunciation for flatter1 ) 

Definitions

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

Derived Forms

ˈflatterable adjective
ˈflatterer noun
ˈflatteringly adverb

Word Origin

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

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= praise, compliment, pander to, sweet-talk, court, humour, puff, flannel, fawn, cajole, lay it on (thick), wheedle, inveigle, soft-soap, butter up, blandish
= suit, become, enhance, set off, embellish, do something for, show to advantage

Translations for 'flattering'

  • British English: flattering If something is flattering, it makes you appear more attractive. ADJECTIVESome styles are so flattering that they instantly become classics.
  • Brazilian Portuguese: lisonjeiro
  • Chinese: 使更漂亮的
  • European Spanish: halagador halagadora
  • French: flatteur flatteuse
  • German: schmeichelhaft
  • Italian: che dona
  • Japanese: 実物以上に見える
  • Korean: 돋보이게 하는
  • Portuguese: lisonjeiro lisonjeira
  • Spanish: elegante

Example Sentences Including 'flattering'

Always wear high heels, they are much more flattering to one's legs," she said.
Andrews, Virginia Web of Dreams
And the stunning skirt, with its flattering , sexy shape, cleverly disguises problem areas.
Sun, News of the World (2001)
But he had a personality disorder which made him think his mail was " flattering and friendly".
Sun, News of the World (2001)
But there's some publicity the 37-year-old property developer (left) doesn't relish, no matter how flattering it might be.
Courier, Sunday Mail (2004)
He ploughed the fields and scattered in a vigorous bass, and he paid flattering attention to the sermon, apparently taking notes.
Salley Vickers MR GOLIGHTLY'S HOLIDAY (2003)
He was most enthusiastic about our presence and said some truly flattering things about my Battalion Group.
Stewart, Bob (Lt-Col) Broken Lives
Most people find them more comfortable than glasses and more flattering.
Toronto Sun (2003)
There were pleasant and flattering obituaries about him, hundreds of letter and telegrams.
Gaskin, Catherine The Ambassador's Women
While flattering , any comparison of Biocon with Infosys would be inaccurate.
Business Today (2003)

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