flattering
Use Flattering in a sentence
ər verb (used with object)
1.
to try to please by complimentary remarks or attention.
2.
to praise or compliment insincerely, effusively, or excessively: She flatters him by constantly praising his books.
3.
to represent favorably; gratify by falsification: The portrait flatters her.
4.
to show to advantage: a hairstyle that flatters the face.
5.
to play upon the vanity or susceptibilities of; cajole, wheedle, or beguile: They flattered him into contributing heavily to the foundation.
6.
to please or gratify by compliments or attentions: I was flattered by their invitation.
7.
to feel satisfaction with (oneself), especially with reference to an accomplishment, act, or occasion: He flattered himself that the dinner had gone well.
8.
to beguile with hope; encourage prematurely, falsely, etc.
verb (used without object)
9.
to use flattery.
00:10
Flattering
is always a great word to know.
So is zedonk. Does it mean:
| an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle. |
| the offspring of a zebra and a donkey. |
Origin:
1175–1225; Middle English flat(t)eren to float, flutter, fawn upon, Old English floterian to float, flutter; for sense development, cf. flicker1, Old Norse flathra; reinforced by Old French flatter to flatter, literally, to stroke, caress (probably < Frankish *flat- flat1)
1175–1225; Middle English flat(t)eren to float, flutter, fawn upon, Old English floterian to float, flutter; for sense development, cf. flicker1, Old Norse flathra; reinforced by Old French flatter to flatter, literally, to stroke, caress (probably < Frankish *flat- flat1)
Related forms
flat·ter·a·ble, adjective
flat·ter·er, noun
flat·ter·ing·ly, adverb
half-flat·tered, adjective
half-flat·ter·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To flattering
Collins
World English Dictionary
flatter1 (ˈflætə) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| 1. | to praise insincerely, esp in order to win favour or reward |
| 2. | to show to advantage: that dress flatters her |
| 3. | (tr) to make to appear more attractive, etc, than in reality |
| 4. | to play upon or gratify the vanity of (a person): it flatters her to be remembered |
| 5. | (tr) to beguile with hope; encourage, esp falsely: this success flattered him into believing himself a champion |
| 6. | (tr) to congratulate or deceive (oneself): I flatter myself that I am the best |
| [C13: probably from Old French flater to lick, fawn upon, of Frankish origin] | |
| 'flatterable1 | |
| —adj | |
| 'flatterer1 | |
| —n | |
| 'flatteringly1 | |
| —adv | |
| flatter2 (ˈflætə) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | a blacksmith's tool, resembling a flat-faced hammer, that is placed on forged work and struck to smooth the surface of the forging |
| 2. | a die with a narrow rectangular orifice for drawing flat sections |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
flatter
early 13c., from O.Fr. flater "to flatter," originally "stroke with the hand, caress," from Frank. *flat "palm, flat of the hand" (see flat (adj.)). Related: Flattered; flattering.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Cite This Source
Example sentences
At first it was extremely flattering to the point of my being obnoxious.
The rapid increase in employment can also be viewed from a less flattering angle.
Today's scientists say less flattering things about fossil dealers.
Their downfall was no sooner known than all these flattering wooers took to their heels in a troop.
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