Flattered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Psychology

• Feeling flattered can boost self-esteem and improve overall mood.
• Research suggests people are more likely to cooperate and engage positively when they perceive flattery.
• Being flattered can sometimes lead to heightened social bonds, making relationships feel stronger.

Pop Culture

• Movies often feature characters using flattery to win favors or manipulate others, showcasing its complex social role.
• In social media, influencers frequently use flattery in their posts to engage with followers and create a positive vibe.
• Songs and literature often depict romantic situations where one person flatters another to express love and affection.

Literature

• Classic literature often explores flattery as a theme, demonstrating its power in relationships and politics.
• Shakespeare’s plays frequently contain examples of characters who use flattery as a tool for manipulation.
• Flattery is seen as both a virtue and a vice, often leading to dramatic irony in stories where the true motives are revealed.

Sociolinguistics

• Flattery can vary culturally; what is considered charming in one culture might be seen as insincere in another.
• The way individuals respond to flattery often depends on their social context and personal experiences.
• In conversation analysis, the act of flattering can often serve as a social lubricant, easing tensions and fostering connections.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the Middle English word 'flattery', which means to show kindness or admiration.
• It has roots in the Old French term 'flatter', which also conveys the idea of smoothing or soothing.
• The emotional response tied to this word has been noted since the 15th century, linking it to social interactions.

The word 'flatter' originates from the Middle English term 'flateren', which means to flatter or to praise excessively. This word is derived from the Old French 'flater', which means to stroke or to caress, reflecting the idea of appealing to someone's vanity. The notion implies a sense of superficial or insincere praise, but over time it has evolved to encompass the more nuanced feeling of being honored or pleased by someone's admiration. The use of 'flattered' in contemporary English conveys an emotional state of enjoyment brought about by recognition or commendation. As language has evolved, so has the connotation of 'flatter'; it can now reflect genuine gratitude rather than mere insincerity.

At position #14,491, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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• 14488 imaginable
• 14489 breached
• 14490 collusion
• 14491 flattered
• 14492 boredom
• 14493 debenture
• 14494 deteriorate
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