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Flatter: meaning, definitions and examples

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flatter

 

[ˈflætər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

compliment

To praise someone insincerely, often with the intention of getting something in return. Flattery is often used to manipulate or gain favor with someone.

Synonyms

adulate, butter up, compliment, praise, sweet-talk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flatter

When you want to make someone feel good or gain their favor by giving exaggerated praise, often insincerely.

  • He flattered his boss to get a promotion.
  • She was flattered by the attention she received at the party.
compliment

In general, positive social interactions where you genuinely express admiration or approval for someone or something.

  • She complimented him on his new haircut.
  • The chef received many compliments for the delicious meal.
praise

When you want to express approval or admiration for someone's qualities, achievements, or actions in a sincere and genuine way.

  • The teacher praised the students for their hard work.
  • He was praised for his bravery during the fire.
adulate

In situations where excessive, almost worship-like admiration and praise is given, usually in a negative sense.

  • The celebrity was uncomfortable with the adulation from her fans.
  • His constant adulating made people question his sincerity.
butter up

In informal settings where someone is being overly nice to another person to gain their favor or get something in return, often with a connotation of manipulation.

  • She tried to butter up her teacher with gifts before the exams.
  • You can't just butter up the coach to get more playtime.
sweet-talk

When someone is trying to persuade or convince someone with charming and flattering language, often insincere and with an ulterior motive.

  • He tried to sweet-talk her into lending him her car.
  • Don't let him sweet-talk you into doing something you don't want to do.

Examples of usage

  • He flattered his boss in order to get a promotion.
  • She was flattered by his compliments, but she knew he had ulterior motives.
  • Don't be fooled by his flattery, he's just trying to manipulate you.
  • The salesperson flattered the customer to make a sale.
  • Her flattery was so obvious that it was almost insulting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'flateren', which means to stroke or smooth something.
  • Originally, it was related to the idea of smoothing someone’s feelings through kind words.
  • The Latin root 'flatuare' means to blow or inflate, suggesting lifting someone’s spirits.

Psychology

  • Complimentingothers can trigger the brain's reward system, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine.
  • Flattery can make people more open to suggestions or requests as it builds rapport.
  • Studies show that people are more likely to respond positively to requests if they receive genuine praise first.

Literature

  • Flattery appears frequently in Shakespearean plays, often highlighting themes of deception and ambition.
  • In many novels, characters who flatter others are often seen as manipulative or insincere, showcasing moral dilemmas.
  • Flattery serves as a literary tool to develop character relationships and tension.

Pop Culture

  • Flattery is a common trope in movies and TV shows, often associated with comedic or romantic situations.
  • Reality TV often highlights flattery as contestants try to win favor and avoid elimination.
  • Songs often explore the themes of flattery in relationships, showing its complex role in love dynamics.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, direct compliments are seen as insincere; flattery must be subtle and contextually appropriate.
  • The concept of flattery varies globally, with some societies valuing modesty over explicit praise.
  • Flattering language can be viewed as both charming and manipulative, depending on the intent behind it.

Translations

Translations of the word "flatter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bajular

🇮🇳 चापलूसी करना (chāplūsī karnā)

🇩🇪 schmeicheln

🇮🇩 menjilat

🇺🇦 підлещуватися

🇵🇱 pochlebiać

🇯🇵 お世辞を言う (oseji o iu)

🇫🇷 flatter

🇪🇸 halagar

🇹🇷 yağ çekmek

🇰🇷 아첨하다 (acheomhada)

🇸🇦 تملق (tamalluq)

🇨🇿 lichotit

🇸🇰 lichotiť

🇨🇳 奉承 (fèngchéng)

🇸🇮 laskati

🇮🇸 smjaðra

🇰🇿 жалбақтау

🇬🇪 შექება (sheq'eba)

🇦🇿 yaltaqlanmaq

🇲🇽 halagar

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,784, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.