Flattering
'flætərɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsGiving praise or compliments, often to an excessive or insincere degree; intended to please or impress someone.
'flætərɪŋ
Giving praise or compliments, often insincerely.
The journalist wrote a flattering profile of the CEO.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend tells you that your new haircut makes you look amazing, even though it's a bit messy. That's a flattering comment, even if it might not be entirely true. It's meant to make you feel good.
👶 For kids: When someone says nice things about you to make you feel good, even if it might not be totally true.
More Examples
She received flattering reviews for her performance.
His flattering words were designed to win her favor.
How It's Used
"He made flattering remarks about her dress."
"The novel painted a flattering picture of the protagonist."
Making someone look or seem more attractive or appealing; enhancing one's appearance or qualities.
'flætərɪŋ
Making someone appear more attractive or appealing.
The mirror provided a flattering reflection.
💡 Simply: Have you ever put on an outfit and thought, 'Wow, I look great in this!'? That outfit is flattering because it makes you look good. It's about enhancing your best features.
👶 For kids: When something makes you look good, like a pretty dress or nice lighting in a picture.
More Examples
The new hairstyle was very flattering.
The dress was flattering, accentuating her figure.
How It's Used
"That dress is very flattering on you."
"The photographer used flattering lighting to enhance the subject's features."
Synonyms
Appreciative
Complimentary
Appealing
Attractive
Becoming
Complementary
Enhancing
From Middle English flateren ('to soothe or caress') derived from Old French flater ('to stroke, caress'), possibly related to the Proto-Germanic *flat- ('flat, smooth').
The word 'flattering' has been used since the 14th century, initially encompassing the sense of 'to soothe or caress'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the modern connotations of insincere praise or enhancing appearance.
Memory tip
Think of someone offering you a 'flat' (empty) compliment, or perhaps someone who is making an insincere gesture to get on your good side.