flatter

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verb flat·ter \ˈfla-tər\

Definition of flatter

transitive verb
1 : to praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest He flattered her with comments about how youthful she looks.
2a archaic : beguile 4b : to encourage or gratify especially with the assurance that something is right I flatter myself that my interpretation is correct
3a : to portray too favorably the portrait flatters himb : to display to advantage candlelight often flatters the face
intransitive verb
: to use flattery

play \ˈfla-tər-ər\ noun

play \ˈfla-tər-iŋ-lē\ adverb

Middle English flateren, from Anglo-French flater to lap, flatter, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German flaz flat

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First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

noun flat·ter

1714

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verb

: to praise (someone) in a way that is not sincere
: to cause (someone) to feel pleased by showing respect, affection, or admiration
: to show or describe (someone or something) in a way that is very favorable or too favorable

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verb flat·ter \ˈfla-tər\

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1 : to praise but not sincerely “You haven't changed since the day we met,” Grandpa flattered Grandma.
2 : to cause to feel pleased by showing respect or admiration I was flattered to be asked to sing at the wedding.
3 : to show as favorably as possible This picture flatters me.
4 : to make look more attractive That dress flatters you.