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Flattery: meaning, definitions and examples

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flattery

 

[ ˈflætəri ]

Noun / Verb
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

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

Etymology

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.