flattering

flat·ter·ing | \ ˈfla-tər-iŋ

Definition of flattering

1 : marked by flattery: such as

a : showing or expressing gratifying respect or admiration a flattering comparison His colleagues might have disowned him, but they didn't receive flattering invitations to speak all over the country and to write for The New York Times.— Richard Dawkins

b : excessively or insincerely complimentary … a steady stream of ham actors, all of whom were welcomed with flattering speeches.— H. L. Mencken

2 : helping to enhance attractiveness a necktie in a flattering color … dictating the most flattering camera angles.— David Margolick The gowns were indeed smashing: smart, sexy, eye-catching, and very, very flattering. — The New Yorker

Other Words from flattering

flatteringly adverb

The so-called Generation X has been described by some—not flatteringly—as a scavenger culture that gathers music, art and fashions from recent past generations rather than creating its own. — Steve Hochman Her upper body is all besuited business—the black jacket, the white blouse reflecting flatteringly on the face, the understated silver choker and earrings, the burnished brown bob. — Rebecca Mead

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Cite this Entry

“Flattering.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flattering. Accessed 20 January 2020.

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