flatter
/'flætə/
Definition
- 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.
Verb
-
praise somewhat dishonestly
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