flatter

/ˈflædər/

/ˈflætə/

Other forms: flattered; flattering; flatters

When you flatter someone, you praise and compliment him or her — but you aren't totally sincere. You flatter your friend by telling her she's the best driver in the world. Because you want her to offer you a ride.

The Old French flater originally meant "to stroke or caress," which is what you do to people's egos when you flatter them. When you flatter, you probably want something — it could be as simple as wanting someone to like you. That's why people who meet celebrities tell them they're the greatest. More positively, if your hairstyle flatters your face, it emphasizes your best features.

Definitions of flatter

1. verb

   praise somewhat dishonestly
   synonyms: blandish

   antonyms:

   disparage

   express a negative opinion of

   types:

   soft-soap

   use flattering talk on somebody

   adulate

   flatter in an obsequious manner

   stroke

   treat gingerly or carefully

   bootlick, fawn, kotow, kowtow, suck up, toady, truckle

   try to gain favor by cringing or flattering

   brown-nose, butter up

   flatter with the intention of getting something

   court favor, court favour, curry favor, curry favour

   seek favor by fawning or flattery

   type of:

   praise

   express approval of