IPA

Dictionary definition of flatter

To praise or compliment someone in order to make them feel good or to gain favor or advantage.
"She tried to flatter her boss by constantly praising his decisions."

Detailed meaning of flatter

When one flatters another, they often use complimentary words, gestures, or actions to boost the person's ego or create a positive impression. Flattery is typically employed with the intention of eliciting a positive response, fostering goodwill, or manipulating the recipient's opinion or behavior. It can involve highlighting someone's attractive qualities, accomplishments, or abilities, often exaggerating them for effect. Flattery is often seen as a social skill used in various contexts, such as interpersonal relationships, professional settings, or even in marketing and advertising. However, flattery can also be insincere or manipulative, lacking genuine sincerity and intended solely for personal gain. It is important to distinguish between genuine compliments and excessive flattery that may be driven by ulterior motives.

Example sentences of flatter

1. Don’t flatter yourself; your success was a team effort.
2. I wish people would be honest instead of trying to flatter me.
3. When you flatter the chef, make sure it's about a dish you genuinely enjoyed.
4. Politicians often flatter their supporters to secure votes.
5. The singer managed to flatter the audience with his kind words.
6. He attempted to flatter her into agreeing with his point of view.

History and etymology of flatter

The verb 'flatter' originates from the Old French word 'flater,' which meant 'to stroke' or 'to caress.' This Old French term was derived from the Latin word 'flattere,' which had a similar meaning of stroking or caressing, both literally and metaphorically. Over time, the sense of figurative stroking evolved to signify the act of praising or complimenting someone to gain favor or advantage. 'Flatter' came to represent the act of using flattering words or gestures to appeal to someone's ego or desires, often with the intent of eliciting a positive response. The etymology of 'flatter' underscores its historical connection to the notion of using subtle, pleasing words or actions to win over others, highlighting its role in social interactions and the art of persuasion.

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Further usage examples of flatter

1. It is not wise to flatter someone just for personal gain.
2. Sometimes, people flatter their friends without even realizing it.
3. You should flatter your grandparents by showing them how much you appreciate their stories.
4. Salespeople frequently flatter their customers to make a sale.
5. They teach young actors to not flatter the directors too much, as it can seem insincere.
6. She used her charm to flatter the boss and secure a promotion.
7. His compliments never felt genuine; they were just attempts to flatter.
8. I appreciate your effort to flatter, but I value honesty more.
9. It's essential to flatter your partner to keep the romance alive.
10. Politicians often flatter voters during election campaigns.
11. Don't flatter yourself; I wasn't talking about you.
12. He couldn't resist the urge to flatter her beauty.
13. She knew how to flatter her way into people's hearts.
14. His insincere flattery didn't fool anyone.
15. Genuine compliments can go a long way in flattery.
16. A little flattery can make someone's day brighter.
17. I didn't mean to flatter; I was just being honest.
18. Flattering words can boost someone's self-esteem.
19. People often flatter to gain social acceptance.
20. His attempt to flatter his way out of trouble failed.
21. Flattering comments should be backed by sincerity.
22. It's always nice to flatter someone with a genuine compliment.
23. Flattering others is a way to build positive relationships.
24. Don't let flattery blind you to someone's true intentions.
25. She used her charm and wit to subtly flatter her date.