flatter1
[flat-er]
- to try to please by complimentary remarks or attention.
- to praise or compliment insincerely, effusively, or excessively: She flatters him by constantly praising his books.
- to represent favorably; gratify by falsification: The portrait flatters her.
- to show to advantage: a hairstyle that flatters the face.
- to play upon the vanity or susceptibilities of; cajole, wheedle, or beguile: They flattered him into contributing heavily to the foundation.
- to please or gratify by compliments or attentions: I was flattered by their invitation.
- to feel satisfaction with (oneself), especially with reference to an accomplishment, act, or occasion: He flattered himself that the dinner had gone well.
- to beguile with hope; encourage prematurely, falsely, etc.
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- to use flattery.
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Origin of flatter1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for flattered
Contemporary Examples
The final score flattered Brazil, which had looked ragged and complacent for much of the game.
I was surprised and flattered and it felt surreal and natural at the same time.
Taylor Swift Says Singing "Livin' On A Prayer" with Prince William Was His IdeaTom Sykes
February 7, 2014
“Neither side is flattered by what they see on the fringes,” he says.
And online, flattered men and women contacted by these matchmakers are receptive to the concept.
As a producer myself, I can safely say that if another producer said that about me, I would be flattered beyond belief.
Historical Examples
But Mr. Hand, flattered by her politeness, begged her to remain.
The Raid From Beausejour; And How The Carter Boys Lifted The MortgageCharles G. D. Roberts
The use of a title higher than his own flattered the Inspector, and he was moved to graciousness.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
To Mali-ya-bwana, in his flattered and unsuspicious mood, this seemed reasonable.
The Leopard WomanStewart Edward White
He's got to be flattered up, an' have some grit put into him.
Tiverton TalesAlice Brown
Certainly, madame, my friend; and I shall be flattered and delighted to be yours.
The Three Cities Trilogy, CompleteEmile Zola
flatter1
- 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
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Word Origin
C13: probably from Old French flater to lick, fawn upon, of Frankish origin
flatter2
- 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
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for flattered
flatter
v.
early 13c., from Old French flater "to flatter" (13c.), originally "stroke with the hand, caress," from Frankish *flat "palm, flat of the hand" (see flat (adj.)). "[O]ne of many imitative verbs beginning with fl- and denoting unsteady or light, repeated movement" [Liberman]. Related: Flattered; flattering.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper