flatter
B2Neutral; common in both formal and informal contexts, with a somewhat negative connotation when referring to insincere praise.
Definition
Meaning
To praise someone excessively or insincerely, especially to gain favour.
1. To make someone feel pleased by showing admiration. 2. To represent someone or something in an overly favourable way, distorting truth. 3. To make something appear more attractive or appealing than it really is.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb has two primary senses: 1) the act of praising (often with ulterior motives), 2) the effect of enhancing appearance (e.g., 'That dress flatters your figure'). The negative connotation (insincerity) is often implied but not always present.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning or usage. The adjective 'flat' (as in a flat tyre/battery) is unrelated.
Connotations
Slightly stronger negative connotation (of manipulation) in British English. In American English, 'flatter yourself' (to have a high opinion of oneself) is slightly more common.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[S] flatter [O][S] flatter [O] that-clause[S] flatter [O] with [something][S] be flattered by [O][S] be flattered to-infinitiveVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “flatter to deceive”
- “flatter oneself”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Often used regarding marketing ('The advert flatters the product's performance') or office politics ('He's just flattering the boss for a promotion').
Academic
Used in literary/cultural criticism to discuss representation ('The portrait flatters the sitter, omitting his flaws').
Everyday
Common for describing insincere praise or clothes that look good ('That colour really flatters you').
Technical
Rare; occasionally in design/ergonomics ('The contour flatters the user's posture').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was clearly flattering her to get the contract.
- The soft lighting flatters the room's ageing decor.
- Don't flatter yourself—she wasn't looking at you.
American English
- She flattered the boss just to get a raise.
- That haircut really flatters your face shape.
- I'm flattered you asked, but I have to say no.
adverb
British English
- He smiled flatteringly at his wealthy aunt.
- The dress was designed flatteringly for all body types.
American English
- She spoke flatteringly of his influence in the industry.
- The article portrayed him flatteringly, ignoring the scandal.
adjective
British English
- That was a rather flattering review of his mediocre performance.
- She wore a very flattering shade of blue.
American English
- The photo is overly flattering; I don't look that good.
- He made some flattering comments about her presentation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She likes that dress because it flatters her.
- He flatters his teacher.
- I think he's just flattering you to be nice.
- The new hairstyle flatters her face very well.
- The salesperson flattered me excessively, which made me suspicious of his motives.
- The documentary was accused of flattering the political regime and ignoring its failures.
- The initial economic data flattered to deceive, masking underlying structural weaknesses.
- While flattered by the comparison to Hemingway, the novelist felt it was somewhat unearned.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FLATterer trying to make themselves as smooth and unobjectionable as a flat surface to slide into someone's good graces.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLATTERY IS A SOFT SURFACE (smooth, pleasing, lacking friction/conflict); FLATTERY IS A DECEPTIVE MIRROR (showing a better reflection).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'flat' (квартира).
- The Russian 'льстить' is a direct equivalent, but English 'flatter' is used more broadly for making things look better (e.g., a dress, a photo).
- Avoid using 'flatter' to mean 'to please' in a general sense without the element of praise or enhanced appearance.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'flatter' as a synonym for 'like' (Incorrect: 'I flatter this idea.' Correct: 'I like/admire this idea.').
- Confusing 'flattered' (pleased by praise) with 'flattering' (giving praise or enhancing appearance).
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'a performance that flattered to deceive', what does 'flattered' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While it often implies insincerity, it can be neutral or positive when describing something that genuinely enhances appearance ('a flattering photograph') or when someone is sincerely 'flattered' by praise.
'Compliment' is generally neutral or positive, meaning to express praise or admiration. 'Flatter' often carries the added nuance of excessive or insincere praise, possibly with an ulterior motive. One can give a sincere compliment, but 'flatter' suggests the praise might be strategic.
Yes, in the sense of making a person or thing look better. This is a very common usage (e.g., 'This paint colour flatters the room', 'The cut of those trousers flatters your legs').
It is a polite and common response to a compliment or attractive offer, meaning 'Your praise/offer makes me feel pleased and honoured.' It does not necessarily imply you believe the praise is insincere.
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