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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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The first known use of flattering was in the 15th century
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