flattering

American

[flat-er-ing] / ˈflæt ər ɪŋ /

adjective

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.
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.
pleasing or gratifying someone by attention or compliments.

The publisher sent me a very flattering invitation to write a study of Robert Browning.
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.

noun

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

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."

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

flattering

This is why the sight of empty seats in high school gymnasiums and muted cable coverage that tell a less flattering story cuts so deeply.

From Salon ● Oct. 6, 2026

Even by boxing's recent standards, the past 24 hours have been extraordinary - and not a particularly flattering look for the sport.

From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026

In the absence of information, you’ll likely choose the most flattering answer.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 19, 2026

Through the muscle pain, mental strain and those loose-fitting uniforms that are shapeless and weirdly flattering, our marriage got its groove back.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026