English Explanatory Dictionary

flatter

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. comparative form of flat: more flat
verb
  1. To compliment someone, often (but not necessarily) insincerely and sometimes to win favour.
  2. To enhance or gratify someone's vanity by praising them.
  3. To portray someone to advantage.
  4. To encourage or cheer someone with (usually false) hope.
  5. To cheer or please (with the idea that); congratulate oneself, especially when the perception is false.
  6. In phrasal verb "to flatter with": to encourage, inspire with hope.
noun
  1. A type of set tool used by blacksmiths.
  2. A flat-faced fulling hammer.
  3. A drawplate with a narrow, rectangular orifice, for drawing flat strips such as watch springs.
  4. Someone who flattens, purposely or accidentally. Also flattener.
noun
  1. Someone who lives in a rented flat.

Pronunciation

/ˈflætɚ/ [ˈflæɾɚ] /ˈflætə/ en-us-flatter.ogg

Word forms

flatter flatters flattering flattered

Etymology

From flat + -er (comparative suffix). Compare Icelandic flatari (“flatter, more flat”).

Synonyms

brush up to collogue flatter flatterize glaver gloze jolly lay it on thick make fair weather palaver preen puff soothe speak well of stroke tickle the ear butter up stroke someone's ego

Antonyms

defame offend

Related words

flatterer flattering flattery unflattering allure glorify woo

Derived words

beflatter flatterable flatteress flatterize flatter oneself flatterous flattersome flatter to deceive outflatter overflatter unflatter
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