flatter

/'flætə/

Thân thiện

She flatters her boss with compliments before asking for a raise.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To praise someone excessively or insincerely, often to gain favor or advantage: The core meaning involves giving compliments that are not entirely honest, typically to please someone or for personal benefit.
   • To make someone appear more attractive or favorable than in reality: This meaning applies to things like portraits, photographs, or descriptions that present a subject in an idealized way.
   • To please or gratify the vanity of: To give a sense of pleasure or satisfaction, especially to one's self-esteem.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (Praise insincerely):
  • He flattered his boss constantly, hoping for a promotion.
  • Don't flatter me; I know the painting isn't that good.
• Verb (Make appear more attractive):
  • That portrait flatters her; it hides all her wrinkles.
  • The soft lighting in the room flatters everyone.
• Verb (Please or gratify):
  • The invitation flattered her immensely.
  • I was flattered by their request for my advice.

Advanced Usage and Idioms

• Flatter to deceive: To create a favorable impression that is misleading and not borne out by reality.
  • The team's strong start flattered to deceive; they lost most of their remaining games.
• Flatter oneself (that...): To believe, often with excessive pride or satisfaction, that something is true about oneself.
  • She flattered herself that she was an excellent public speaker.

Variants and Related Words

• Flatterer (noun): A person who flatters.
  • Be wary of flatterers; they often want something.
• Flattering (adjective):
  • (Of an action) Full of praise, especially when excessive or insincere. He made some flattering remarks.
  • (Of a thing) Making someone look more attractive. She wore a very flattering dress.
• Flattery (noun): Excessive and insincere praise.
  • His flattery was so obvious it was almost insulting.

Synonyms

• Butter up: To flatter someone excessively.
• Adulate: To praise or admire excessively or slavishly.
• Fawn (over/on): To give exaggerated flattery or affection.
• Compliment: (This can be sincere or insincere; "flatter" often implies the latter).

Antonyms

• Insult: To speak to or treat with disrespect.
• Criticize: To indicate the faults of someone or something.
• Belittle: To make someone or something seem less impressive or important.

Học thuật

Verb

1. praise somewhat dishonestly

Từ đồng nghĩa

• blandish