flattering

American  

[flat-er-ing] / ˈflæt ər ɪŋ /

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.

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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

Etymology

Origin of flattering

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

Explanation

Something that's flattering shows you in your best, most attractive light. When you're having your photograph taken, you might wear your most flattering outfit. The softly lit living room mirror is usually more flattering to your face than the harsh fluorescent light of a public restroom. You also might tell your friend that her favorite cashmere sweater is much more flattering than her saggy old gray sweatshirt. Flattering comes from flatter, from an Old French root, flater, "to deceive," but also "to throw or fling to the ground."

Example Sentences

Sure, the economic data doesn’t paint the most flattering picture at the moment.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

At times, it feels like a victory lap, the most flattering possible portrait of a man who might be toying with the idea of going out while he’s still on top.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

Never underestimate the joys of a good mattress and flattering indoor lighting.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

Lenders would have a strong incentive to use the credit report that is most flattering to the borrower since they aren’t on the hook if a loan defaults.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

"That's very flattering," I said, "but I'm afraid I'm too busy for an interview. I suggest, however, that you interview our youth leader, Brother Tod Clifton; you'll find him a much more interesting subject."

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Related Words

• complimentary