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

Derived Forms

• flatteringly
  adverb
• unflatteringly
  adverb
• half-flatteringly
  adverb
• half-flattering
  adjective
• unflattering
  adjective

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

He decided to give classic jerseys a whirl, transforming them into more flattering silhouettes that accentuate a curvy torso.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

It is probably the most personally flattering work of presidential art ever commissioned.

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026

Ashdown duly received the not entirely flattering nickname of "Viceroy of Bosnia".

From BBC • May 11, 2026

It doesn’t hurt that she’s attired in a series of extremely flattering outfits by the venerated costume designer Travis Banton.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

They reminded Ifemelu of television commercials, of people whose lives were lived always in flattering light, whose messes were still aesthetically pleasing.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

• complimentary