Flattering

Flattering
Flatter Flat"ter (fl[a^]t"t[~e]r), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Flattered}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Flattering}.] [OE. flateren, cf. OD. flatteren; akin to G. flattern to flutter, Icel. fla[eth]ra to fawn, flatter: cf. F. flatter. Cf. {Flitter}, {Flutter}, {Flattery}.] 1. To treat with praise or blandishments; to gratify or attempt to gratify the self-love or vanity of, esp. by artful and interested commendation or attentions; to blandish; to cajole; to wheedle. [1913 Webster]

When I tell him he hates flatterers, He says he does, being then most flattered. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

A man that flattereth his neighbor, spreadeth a net for his feet. --Prov. xxix. 5. [1913 Webster]

Others he flattered by asking their advice. --Prescott. [1913 Webster]

2. To raise hopes in; to encourage or favorable, but sometimes unfounded or deceitful, representations. [1913 Webster]

3. To portray too favorably; to give a too favorable idea of; as, his portrait flatters him. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Flattering — Flat ter*ing, a. That flatters (in the various senses of the verb); as, a flattering speech. [1913 Webster] Lay not that flattering unction to your soul. Shak. [1913 Webster] A flattering painter, who made it his care, To draw men as they ought… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • flattering — flattering; un·flattering; …   English syllables

  • flattering — index obsequious Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • flattering — (adj.) late 14c., pleasing to the imagination, pp. adj. from FLATTER (Cf. flatter). Meaning gratifying to self esteem is from 1757. Related: Flatteringly …   Etymology dictionary

  • flattering — [[t]flæ̱tərɪŋ[/t]] 1) ADJ GRADED If something is flattering, it makes you appear more attractive. Some styles are so flattering that they instantly become classics. ...a refreshing new look that s flattering to skins of all ages... It wasn t a… …   English dictionary

  • flattering — adj. 1) flattering to + inf. (it is flattering to be interviewed on TV) 2) flattering that + clause (it s flattering that we ve been chosen) * * * [ flæt(ə)rɪŋ] flattering to + inf. (it is flattering to be interviewed on TV) flattering that +… …   Combinatory dictionary

  • flattering — adj. VERBS ▪ be ▪ find sth ADVERB ▪ extremely, fairly, very, etc. ▪ hardly …   Collocations dictionary

  • flattering — flat|ter|ing [ flætərıŋ ] adjective 1. ) making you look more attractive: a flattering gown 2. ) making you feel important or special: They ve made me a very flattering offer. a ) intended to praise someone and make them feel pleased:… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • flattering — adjective 1) flattering remarks Syn: complimentary, praising, favorable, commending, admiring, applauding, appreciative, good; fulsome, honeyed, sugary, cajoling, silver tongued, honey tongued; fawning, oily, obsequious …   Thesaurus of popular words

  • flattering — adjective 1) flattering remarks Syn: complimentary, praising, favourable, admiring, appreciative, fulsome, honeyed, obsequious, ingratiating, sycophantic 2) it was very flattering to be nominated Syn …   Synonyms and antonyms dictionary

  • flattering — UK [ˈflæt(ə)rɪŋ] / US [ˈflætərɪŋ] adjective 1) making you look more attractive a flattering gown 2) making you feel important or special They ve made me a very flattering offer. 3) intended to praise someone and make them feel pleased a… …   English dictionary

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