flattering
B2Neutral to informal; occasionally used in formal contexts regarding presentation/appearance.
Definition
Meaning
Making someone look or feel more attractive or appealing; pleasingly complimentary.
Giving a falsely favorable impression of something (e.g., a statistic, a mirror, a photo). Also, to show oneself or something to advantage.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word carries a primary positive meaning (making someone feel good about their appearance) but has a secondary, potentially negative connotation when describing a representation that is misleadingly favorable or deceptive (e.g., "a flattering but inaccurate report").
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. Both use the same spelling. The noun form "flattery" is common in both. The frequency is similar.
Connotations
In both, the primary connotation is positive. The secondary meaning (deceptively favorable) is equally understood.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be flattering to [sb/sth]find [sth] flattering[sth] is flattering to [sb]it is flattering that...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “damn with faint praise (implied opposite)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The sales figures for last quarter are flattering due to a one-time bulk order." (Often used to indicate misleadingly positive data.)
Academic
"The study's conclusions may be flattering to the proposed model, as confounding variables were not fully controlled."
Everyday
"That new hairstyle is really flattering on you!"
Technical
In optics/photography: "The soft, diffuse lighting setup is more flattering for portrait photography."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Stop flattering the boss, it's a bit obvious.
- He was flattered to be offered the role.
American English
- She flattered her way into getting a discount.
- I'm flattered you asked for my opinion.
adverb
British English
- He spoke flatteringly of her achievements.
- The dress fit her flatteringly well.
American English
- The review was flatteringly positive.
- The photo was lit flatteringly.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She wore a flattering red dress.
- It was flattering that he remembered my name.
- The reviews for her book were very flattering.
- This angle isn't flattering in photos.
- The documentary was hardly flattering to the politician's reputation.
- He found the comparison to his mentor immensely flattering.
- The economic growth figures are flattered by unsustainable government spending.
- The soft, golden-hour light is universally flattering for cinematic close-ups.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FLATTERING as something that makes you feel as good as a FLATTERer telling you nice things.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEAUTY/APPEAL IS A COMPLIMENT (A thing that makes you look good is like a person saying nice things about you).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "flat" (плоский).
- The adjective "flattering" is often translated as "льстивый," but for objects/clothes, "идущий" (подходящий, делающий привлекательнее) is more accurate.
Common Mistakes
- Using "flattering" to describe a person who gives compliments (that's "a flatterer"). "Flattering" describes the action, effect, or object.
- Confusing spelling: 'flatering' (wrong) vs. 'flattering' (correct, double 't').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'flattering' used in its potentially negative or misleading sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While it usually means 'making someone look/feel good,' it can imply deception, as in 'a flattering portrait that hides his flaws' or 'flattering statistics.'
You describe a person's actions ('She was flattering him') or a person who flatters ('He is a flatterer'). You typically use 'flattering' to describe the effect of something (a dress, a comment, a photo) ON a person.
They are often synonyms for praise. However, 'flattering' is stronger in suggesting the praise is designed to please or gain favor, and it uniquely applies to things that enhance appearance. 'Complimentary' is more neutral and also means 'free of charge.'
Use 'flattered' as an adjective to describe the person receiving the compliment: 'I am flattered by your invitation.' It's a common reaction to praise or an honor.
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