Flattery

¹ 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 ² 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 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

Example Sentences

Such alignment can easily be misread as flattery.

From Salon

This was no form of flattery, and wouldn’t be allowed between cities in the same state.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times

Which is too bad, because the book gains energy when the flattery ebbs and the dishing commences.

From The Wall Street Journal

It involves flattery, and most countries have tried it, including on his trip to Asia so far.

From BBC