flatter

¹

[flat-er]

verb (used with object)

1. to try to please by complimentary remarks or attention.

2. to praise or compliment insincerely, effusively, or excessively.

   She flatters him by constantly praising his books.

3. to represent favorably; gratify by falsification.

   The portrait flatters her.

4. to show to advantage.

   a hairstyle that flatters the face.

5. to play upon the vanity or susceptibilities of; cajole, wheedle, or beguile.

   They flattered him into contributing heavily to the foundation.

6. to please or gratify by compliments or attentions.

   I was flattered by their invitation.

7. to feel satisfaction with (oneself), especially with reference to an accomplishment, act, or occasion.

   He flattered himself that the dinner had gone well.

8. to beguile with hope; encourage prematurely, falsely, etc.

verb (used without object)

1. to use flattery.

flatter

²

[flat-er]

noun

1. a person or thing that makes something flat.

2. a flat-faced blacksmith's tool, laid on a forging and struck with a hammer to smooth the surface of the forging.

3. a drawplate with a flat orifice for drawing flat metal strips, as for watch springs.

flatter

¹

/ ˈflætə /

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

flatter

²

/ ˈflætə /

noun

1. a blacksmith's tool, resembling a flat-faced hammer, that is placed on forged work and struck to smooth the surface of the forging

2. a die with a narrow rectangular orifice for drawing flat sections

Other Word Forms

• flatteringly adverb
• flatterer noun
• flatterable adjective
• unflatterable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of flatter¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English flat(t)eren “to float, flutter, fawn upon,” Old English floterian “to float, flutter”; for sense development, flicker ¹, Old Norse flathra; reinforced by Old French flatter “to flatter,” literally, “to stroke, caress” (probably from unattested Frankish flat- flat ¹ )

Origin of flatter²

First recorded in 1705–15; flat ¹ + -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of flatter¹

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

Example Sentences

Posen that the circular deals rampant between AI companies may flatter their stock valuations, “but it still doesn’t make them levered.”

Read more on MarketWatch

Produced by David Beckham’s production company, Studio 99, “Victoria Beckham” inevitably paints its eponymous subject in a flattering light, doubling down on her characterization as an “underdog” from a working-class family.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Maybe 3-1 flatters us, but we did enough to win the game. Results are the only thing that qualify you for a major tournament."

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Spin-friendly conditions are also likely to be presented in Colombo, but England's big tests against India and Australia are to be played on the flatter surface at Indore.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• charm