flattered

[flat-erd]

adjective

1. feeling gratified or honored by unexpected favorable attention, as an invitation or compliment.

   Thank you so much for linking to my recipe; I'm beyond flattered!

2. praised or complimented in an insincere way, usually as a form of manipulation.

   Having received the supreme compliment from his guru, the flattered and now penniless devotee offered to work for him for nothing.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of flatter.

Other Word Forms

• half-flattered adjective
• unflattered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of flattered¹

flatter ¹ ( def. ) + -ed ²

Example Sentences

“There’s a real novelty to it and it’s incredibly flattering in a way that we are not used to being flattered,” Rogen said.

From Los Angeles Times

The advantage they forged for themselves here flattered them as they piled up mistakes at the back and carelessly conceded possession with regularity.

From BBC

On the pitch they often flattered to deceive, playing nice passing moves through the thirds but ultimately falling short up top.

From BBC

For too long the Wallabies have flattered to deceive, losing matches and losing fans.

From BBC

There’s a real novelty to it and it’s incredibly flattering in a way that we are not used to being flattered.

From Los Angeles Times