flatter
1[ flat-er ]
/ ˈflæt ər /
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verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
to use flattery.
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The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Origin of flatter
1First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English flat(t)eren “to float, flutter, fawn upon,” Old English floterian “to float, flutter”; for sense development, cf. flicker1, Old Norse flathra; reinforced by Old French flatter “to flatter,” literally, “to stroke, caress” (probably from unattested Frankish flat- flat1)
OTHER WORDS FROM flatter
Definition for flatter (2 of 2)
flatter2
[ flat-er ]
/ ˈflæt ər /
noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
British Dictionary definitions for flatter (1 of 2)
flatter1
/ (ˈflætə) /
verb
to praise insincerely, esp in order to win favour or reward
to show to advantagethat dress flatters her
(tr) to make to appear more attractive, etc, than in reality
to play upon or gratify the vanity of (a person)it flatters her to be remembered
(tr) to beguile with hope; encourage, esp falselythis success flattered him into believing himself a champion
(tr) to congratulate or deceive (oneself)I flatter myself that I am the best
Derived forms of flatter
flatterable, adjectiveflatterer, nounflatteringly, adverbWord Origin for flatter
C13: probably from Old French flater to lick, fawn upon, of Frankish origin
British Dictionary definitions for flatter (2 of 2)
flatter2
/ (ˈflætə) /
noun
a blacksmith's tool, resembling a flat-faced hammer, that is placed on forged work and struck to smooth the surface of the forging
a die with a narrow rectangular orifice for drawing flat sections
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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