First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1flatter
verb flat·ter \ˈfla-tər\
: to praise (someone) in a way that is not sincere
: to cause (someone) to feel pleased by showing respect, affection, or admiration
: to show or describe (someone or something) in a way that is very favorable or too favorable
Full Definition of FLATTER
transitive verb
1
: to praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest
2
a archaic : beguile 4 b : to encourage or gratify especially with the assurance that something is right <I flatter myself that my interpretation is correct>
3
a : to portray too favorably <the portrait flatters him> b : to display to advantage <candlelight often flatters the face>
intransitive verb
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Origin of FLATTER
Middle English flateren, from Anglo-French flater to lap, flatter, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German flaz flat
Related to FLATTER
2flatter
noun
Definition of FLATTER
: one that flattens; especially : a flat-faced swage used in smithing
First Known Use of FLATTER
1714
FLATTERING Defined for Kids
flatter
verb flat·ter \ˈfla-tər\
flat·teredflat·ter·ing
Definition of FLATTER for Kids
1
: to praise but not sincerely <“You haven't changed since the day we met,” Grandpa flattered Grandma.>
2
: to cause to feel pleased by showing respect or admiration <I was flattered to be asked to sing at the wedding.>
3
: to show as favorably as possible <This picture flatters me.>
4
: to make look more attractive <That dress flatters you.>
— flat·ter·er noun
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