flattered: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, semi-formal, polite
Quick answer
What does “flattered” mean?
Feeling pleased because someone has shown admiration for you or made you feel important.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Feeling pleased because someone has shown admiration for you or made you feel important.
Used to describe a feeling of gratification or honour from praise, attention, or a favourable comparison. Can also refer to something (e.g., a portrait) that makes the subject appear more attractive than in reality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. The verb 'flatter' is used identically. Minor differences may exist in typical phrasing of polite responses.
Connotations
Identical positive connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English in polite formulae (e.g., 'I'm flattered'), but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “flattered” in a Sentence
[S] feel flattered[S] be flattered by [NP][S] be flattered that-clause[S] be flattered to-infinitiveVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flattered” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He flatters his boss far too obviously.
- The photo flatters her, to be honest.
American English
- She flatters everyone she meets to get ahead.
- That lighting flatters the room.
adverb
British English
- He smiled flatteringly at the remark.
- She spoke flatteringly of his work.
American English
- He glanced flatteringly at her presentation.
- The article described her flatteringly.
adjective
British English
- She was flattered by the offer to speak at the conference.
- I feel terribly flattered you remembered.
American English
- He was flattered they asked his opinion.
- I'm flattered, but I really can't accept the award.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in professional networking, e.g., 'I'm flattered to be considered for the advisory role.'
Academic
Rare. Possibly in acknowledgements, e.g., 'I was flattered by the referee's positive comments.'
Everyday
Common in social interactions as a polite response to praise or special attention.
Technical
Not applicable in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flattered”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flattered”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flattered”
- Using 'flattered' to mean physically flattened (e.g., *'The tyre was flattered').
- Incorrect: *'I flattered by your words.' (Missing 'am' - requires 'I am flattered').
- Overusing in very formal writing where 'honoured' may be more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically yes, describing a positive feeling. However, it can be used sarcastically or in the phrase 'I'm flattered, but...' to politely decline something.
Yes, in a specific sense. A photograph, dress, or angle can 'flatter' someone (make them look better), so the person can be 'flattered by' it. We don't say an object 'feels flattered.'
'Flattered' focuses on the pleasing effect on one's ego or self-esteem from praise/attention. 'Honoured' is more formal and weightier, implying deep respect and a sense of privilege, often for a serious award or responsibility.
It's almost always used as a subject complement after a linking verb (be, feel, seem). The structure is: Subject + be/feel + flattered + (by something / to do something / that clause). E.g., 'I am flattered by your offer.'
Feeling pleased because someone has shown admiration for you or made you feel important.
Flattered is usually informal, semi-formal, polite in register.
Flattered: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflætəd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflæt̬ɚd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “I'm flattered (but...)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FLATTERED as having your ego made FLAT (smooth and level) by nice comments, instead of bumpy with insecurity.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRAISE IS A SMOOTHING/FLATTENING TOOL (making one feel level/even/pleased).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'flattered' LEAST appropriate?