flattering

[flat-er-ing]

adjective

1. enhancing the appearance of a person or thing, as by highlighting pleasing features or making less pleasing ones inconspicuous.

   You'll receive expert advice on the most flattering shades of makeup for your complexion.

2. causing a person or thing to seem better or more attractive than is really the case.

   She avoids the weakness of many memoirs by not creating an overly flattering picture of herself or her parents.

3. pleasing or gratifying someone by attention or compliments.

   The publisher sent me a very flattering invitation to write a study of Robert Browning.

4. praising or complimenting someone insincerely or excessively, especially in an attempt to curry favor.

   I’m a remarkably accurate judge of people’s character, and am not misled by flattering words or nice clothes.

noun

1. the act of attempting to curry favor by praising or complimenting someone insincerely or excessively.

   After a glass of cognac and much flattering and coaxing, he did finally grant our request.

Other Word Forms

• flatteringly adverb
• half-flattering adjective
• half-flatteringly adverb
• unflattering adjective
• unflatteringly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of flattering¹

First recorded in 1200–50; flatter ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; flatter ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun sense

Example Sentences

Of course it is all illusion, but the flattering lighting and bougie boxed waters belie that revelation.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

But most of them understand they only get that perch by flattering right-wing views that a woman’s place is really in the kitchen.

Read more on Salon

The pop star, 35, didn't say who she was singing about, but she sarcastically thanked them for paying her attention, saying: "It's flattering."

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How did you go about striking that balance between the less flattering traits he has while also ensuring he’s someone the audience is rooting for?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Now, her angelic voice acts as a force for Hansard to push up against instead of flattering his parts.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• complimentary