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

Example Sentences

Their only qualification is their capacity for flattery.

From Salon

“You’ve seen that a lot of our competitors have strategies now that are slightly similar to what we do, and I think imitation is the highest form of flattery,” said Lake.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

For a year, they employed flattery and deference to seek compromise.

From The Wall Street Journal

Such alignment can easily be misread as flattery.

From Salon