Flatterer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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flatterer
[หflรฆtษrษr ]
Definitions
in relationships
A person who lavishes praise, especially in a way that is insincere or excessive, in order to gain favor or manipulate others.
Synonyms
adulator, smooth talker, sycophant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| flatterer |
Used in general situations to describe someone who gives excessive compliments, often insincerely, to gain favor or advantage.
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| sycophant |
Carries a negative connotation, describing someone who excessively flatters or behaves obsequiously towards someone important to gain advantage.
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| adulator |
Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a person who excessively admires or praises someone more powerful.
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| smooth talker |
Describes someone who is very persuasive and charming in speech, often with the intent to deceive or manipulate.
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Examples of usage
- He was always a flatterer, constantly complimenting others to get what he wanted.
- She saw through his flattery and realized he was just a flatterer trying to manipulate her.
in professional settings
A person who praises or compliments others excessively in order to gain advantage or favor in the workplace.
Synonyms
apple-polisher, bootlicker, brownnoser.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| flatterer |
A person who praises someone else excessively, often for personal gain. This term can be used in both positive and neutral situations but can also have a slightly negative connotation depending on context.
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| brownnoser |
A person who acts in an overly flattering or sycophantic way, especially to gain advantage or favor from someone in authority. This term is informal and also carries a negative connotation.
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| bootlicker |
A person who behaves in a servile or obsequious manner, showing excessive eagerness to please someone in power. This term has a strong negative connotation and implies a lack of integrity.
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| apple-polisher |
A person who flatters or behaves obsequiously to gain favor, usually in a context where the flattery is obvious and seen as insincere. This term is often used in a school or academic setting and has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She quickly realized that he was a flatterer, always praising his superiors to get ahead in his career.
- His colleagues saw him as a flatterer, always buttering up the boss to secure promotions.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that people often respond positively to flattery, even if they are aware it may not be sincere.
- Flattering behavior can be linked to social intelligence, as individuals tailor their compliments to enhance social ties.
- The 'Flattery Effect' suggests that even exaggerated praise can improve a personโs self-esteem temporarily.
Pop Culture
- Flattery often appears in literature and film, where characters use it as a tool to manipulate others for personal gain.
- Famous quotes about flattery, like 'Flattery is like perfume โ to be smelled, not swallowed,' highlight its often insincere nature.
- TV shows and movies frequently depict flatterers as charming yet dubious characters who offer empty compliments.
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, flatterers are often portrayed as deceptive characters that influence the actions of heroes and kings.
- Classic literature often warns against the dangers of flattery by showing how it leads to the downfall of great figures.
- Poets have long explored the tension between genuine admiration and flattery, commenting on its role in relationships.
History
- Historical figures like politicians and leaders have used flattery to forge alliances and manipulate public opinion.
- Ancient courts often rewarded flatterers, as their compliments could influence the monarchโs decisions.
- The famous saying 'History is written by the victors' implies that flatterers often shape narratives to paint themselves in a favorable light.
Origin of 'flatterer'
Main points about word origin
- The word derives from the Middle English term 'flatteren,' which means to caress or stroke.
- Its roots can be traced back to Old French 'flatter' and Latin 'flatterare,' both conveying a sense of gentle praise.
- Originally, the term had neutral connotations, but over time, it gained a negative aspect implying insincerity.
The word 'flatterer' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'flaterer', which in turn comes from the Latin 'flatter', meaning 'to stroke, caress'. The concept of flattery has been present throughout history, with flatterers often depicted negatively in literature and society for their insincere praise and manipulation tactics.
See also: flattering.