flattery

¹ American  

[flat-uh-ree] / ˈflæt ə ri /

noun

plural

flatteries

1. the act of flattering.

2. a flattering compliment or speech; excessive, insincere praise.

   Synonyms:

   pandering, sycophancy

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Flattery ² American  

[flat-ree] / ˈflæt ri /

noun

1. Cape, a cape in NW Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula, at the entrance to Juan de Fuca Strait.

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flattery British  

/ ˈflætərɪ /

noun

1. the act of flattering

2. excessive or insincere praise

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Etymology

Origin of flattery

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English flaterie, from Middle French, equivalent to flat(er) “to flatter” + -erie noun suffix; flatter ¹, -ery

Explanation

Flattery is excessive praise. If you're hoping to borrow your brother's car, be careful not to overdo it when you compliment his haircut, new shoes, and singing voice — he knows flattery when he sees it. As opposed to real praise, flattery is insincere and almost always has an ulterior motive. The Old English root word of flatter is flater, which originally meant "to stroke with the hand or caress." When you stroke someone's ego to get what you want, you're using flattery. If the person you are wildly complimenting tells you that flattery will get you nowhere, you know it's time to back off.

Example Sentences

If imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery, perhaps Americans should take a bow.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Such alignment can easily be misread as flattery.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2026

Alas, they can’t agree on how to get it: fisticuffs or flattery.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

The guidelines urged those at risk to regularly review privacy settings of online profiles and to "keep track of odd social interactions" such as approaches that involve "overt flattery".

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

I knew every man must compliment her, bury her in flattery more cloying than roses.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss