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Flattery: meaning, definitions and examples

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flattery

 

[ˈflætəri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in social interactions

Excessive and insincere praise or compliments given to someone, often with an ulterior motive.

Synonyms

adulation, blandishment, compliment, praise.

Examples of usage

  • He was suspicious of the flattery from his coworker, suspecting it was just to get a promotion.
  • She saw through his flattery and knew he was just trying to win her over.
Context #2 | Noun

literary context

The act of praising someone excessively or indulging their ego with compliments.

Synonyms

buttering up, flirtation, sweet-talk, sycophancy.

Examples of usage

  • The villain used flattery to manipulate the heroine into doing his bidding.
  • His flattery was so transparent that no one believed his intentions were genuine.
Context #3 | Verb

informal context

To praise or compliment someone in a way that is excessive or insincere.

Synonyms

butter up, compliment, praise, sweet-talk.

Examples of usage

  • He flattered his boss shamelessly in hopes of getting a raise.
  • She flattered him with her attention, but he saw right through her.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'flatter,' meaning to coax or to please.
  • It has roots in the Latin 'flattere,' which means to stroke or caress, indicating a sense of gentle persuasion.
  • The concept of flattery has been around since the Middle Ages, often associated with courts and those seeking favor.

Psychology

  • Often linked to self-esteem, flattery can boost a person’s confidence and make them feel valued.
  • Research suggests flattery can sometimes lead to increased cooperation, as people tend to respond positively to compliments.
  • While it can be effective in social situations, excessive flattery might be seen as insincere or manipulative.

Literature

  • Flattery appears frequently in literature as a tool for characters to achieve their goals, often leading to betrayal.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often use flattery to manipulate others, reflecting societal power dynamics.
  • Poets frequently explore the thin line between genuine admiration and insincere compliments in their works.

Pop Culture

  • In reality TV shows, contestants often use flattery to build alliances or manipulate perceptions.
  • Many famous characters in movies and TV series are known for using flattery as a means to gain trust or favor.
  • Song lyrics often feature themes of flattery in romantic contexts, illustrating the complexity of human relationships.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Some cultures view flattery as an important social skill, while others may see it as disingenuous.
  • In professional settings, compliments can vary in significance based on cultural norms regarding directness and humility.
  • Historical customs often celebrated flattery as a way to navigate social hierarchies, especially in royal courts.

Translations

Translations of the word "flattery" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lisonja

🇮🇳 चापलूसी (chaplusi)

🇩🇪 Schmeichelei

🇮🇩 pujian

🇺🇦 лестощі

🇵🇱 pochlebstwo

🇯🇵 お世辞 (oseji)

🇫🇷 flatterie

🇪🇸 adulación

🇹🇷 dalkavukluk

🇰🇷 아첨 (acheom)

🇸🇦 تملق (tamalluq)

🇨🇿 lichocení

🇸🇰 lichotenie

🇨🇳 奉承 (fèngchéng)

🇸🇮 laskanje

🇮🇸 smjað

🇰🇿 жағымпаздық (žağympazdyq)

🇬🇪 ქება (qeba)

🇦🇿 yalan tərif

🇲🇽 adulación

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,303, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.