View synonyms for

flattering

[flat-er-ing]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

enhancing the appearance of a person or thing, as by highlighting pleasing features or making less pleasing ones inconspicuous.
You'll receive expert advice on the most flattering shades of makeup for your complexion.
causing a person or thing to seem better or more attractive than is really the case.
She avoids the weakness of many memoirs by not creating an overly flattering picture of herself or her parents.
pleasing or gratifying someone by attention or compliments.
The publisher sent me a very flattering invitation to write a study of Robert Browning.
praising or complimenting someone insincerely or excessively, especially in an attempt to curry favor.
I’m a remarkably accurate judge of people’s character, and am not misled by flattering words or nice clothes.

noun

the act of attempting to curry favor by praising or complimenting someone insincerely or excessively.
After a glass of cognac and much flattering and coaxing, he did finally grant our request.

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Other Word Forms

flatteringly adverb
half-flattering adjective
half-flatteringly adverb
unflattering adjective
unflatteringly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of flattering¹

First recorded in 1200–50; flatter ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; flatter ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun sense

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"I wanted the film to be real and true, and there are some not necessarily flattering things, but they are revealing of who she was."

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More conformist artists, on the other hand, enjoyed much more flattering official reviews.

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I guess it could be flattering, but it makes Murderbot incredibly uncomfortable because, again, it prefers to be at a safe distance, but slowly it gets pulled into this group of humans.

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And as flattering as it was, I can find a dark cloud in any silver lining.

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Mr Justice Alexander Owens told the jury it is an example of "good publicity" put together by Mr Adams' lawyers, which "may be a bit flattering".

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Related Words

complimentary��

flattered flatter oneself

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