English Explanatory Dictionary

flattery

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Excessive praise or approval, which is often insincere and sometimes contrived to win favour.
  2. An instance of excessive praise.
name
  1. A surname from Irish.

Pronunciation

/ˈflæt.ə.ɹi/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-flattery.wav /ˈflæt.ɚ.i/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Wodencafe-flattery.wav

Word forms

flattery flatteries Flatterys

Etymology

From Middle English flaterye, flaterie, from Old French flaterie, from the verb flater (“to flatter”). By surface analysis, flatter + -y (forming abstract nouns).

Synonyms

carny flattery incense adulation ass-kissing ass-licking blandishment gloze hoomalimali soft sawder sooth sycophancy

Related words

flatter flattered flattering

Derived words

Cape Flattery imitation is the sincerest form of flattery self-flattery
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