Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Flattery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸชŸ
Add to dictionary

flattery

[หˆflรฆtษ™ri ]

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Often linked to self-esteem, flattery can boost a personโ€™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.

Origin of 'flattery'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'flattery' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French term 'flaterie'. Originally, the word carried the meaning of 'to stroke with the hand or caress', which evolved into its modern usage of excessive praise or compliments. Throughout history, flattery has been recognized as a tool used to manipulate or deceive others, leading to skepticism towards lavish praise.

See also: flat, flatfish, flatiron, flatly, flatness, flats, flatten, flattened, flatter, flatware, unflattering.

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.