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definitions

flattery

[flat-uh-ree]
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noun, plural flat·ter·ies.
  1. the act of flattering.
  2. a flattering compliment or speech; excessive, insincere praise.

Origin of flattery

1275–1325; Middle English flaterie < Middle French, equivalent to flat(er) to flatter + -erie -ery. Cf. flatter1

Synonyms for flattery

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2. sycophancy, toadying, fawning, pandering.

Flattery

[flat-ree]
noun
  1. Cape, a cape in NW Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula, at the entrance to Juan de Fuca Strait.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for flattery

approbation, stroke, plaudits, servility, snow, tribute, palaver, mush, commendation, eulogy, encomium, gallantry, applause, adulation, incense, puffery, smoke, blandishment, blarney, gratification

Examples from the Web for flattery

Contemporary Examples of flattery

Historical Examples of flattery

  • "Flattery to ourselves does not change the nature of what is wrong," answered Philothea.

    Philothea

    Lydia Maria Child

  • The request, thus aided by flattery, was almost unanimously granted.

    Philothea

    Lydia Maria Child

  • The singularity that struck me most about her ladyship was her indifference to flattery.

  • Therefore I give up all manner of claim to every thing but—flattery!

  • He clavers them over with flattery as the snake clavers the rabbit.

    American Notes

    Rudyard Kipling

British Dictionary definitions for flattery

flattery

noun plural -teries
  1. the act of flattering
  2. excessive or insincere praise
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 flattery
n.

early 14c., from Old French flaterie, from flater (see flatter).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper