flatting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Industrial for painting/metalworking; Informal/Regional for housing.
Quick answer
What does “flatting” mean?
The process or action of making something flat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process or action of making something flat; also, living in shared, basic accommodation (NZ/AU).
Can refer to: 1) A painting technique using flat, non-glossy paint. 2) A metalworking process of flattening. 3) (Informal, NZ/AU) The practice of sharing a flat/apartment, often as a student or young adult.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The painting/metalworking sense is understood in both. The 'shared accommodation' sense is almost exclusively New Zealand and Australian English.
Connotations
In NZ/AU: connotes youth, affordability, and transient living. In UK/US technical contexts: connotes finishing, smoothing, or industrial processing.
Frequency
Rare in general US/UK discourse except in specific trades. Common in spoken NZ/AU English.
Grammar
How to Use “flatting” in a Sentence
[Subject] + is flatting + [in/with phrase] (NZ/AU)[Subject] + is flatting down + [object] (technical)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flatting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's flatting the panel before the final coat.
- They're considering flatting together next term.
American English
- The technician is flatting the weld seam.
- She flatted in Sydney for a year after college.
adjective
British English
- Use a flatting compound for a matte effect.
- The flatting scene in Brighton is quite expensive.
American English
- The flatting paste reduces gloss.
- His flatting years in Melbourne were unforgettable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In paint manufacturing: 'We offer a premium flatting agent for walls.'
Academic
In material science papers: 'The flatting process reduces surface asperities.'
Everyday
In NZ: 'My daughter's flatting in Wellington while at uni.'
Technical
In automotive repair: 'After applying primer, proceed with flatting using 800-grit paper.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flatting”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flatting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flatting”
- Using 'flatting' to mean 'getting a flat tire' (incorrect).
- Assuming the NZ/AU meaning is global.
- Confusing with 'flattering' (spelling/pronunciation).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. In NZ/AU, 'flatting' specifically implies sharing a flat/apartment with others (flatmates), often in an informal arrangement. Renting can be solo.
In technical/DIY contexts, yes. 'Flatting down' is synonymous with sanding or preparing a surface to be flat and smooth before painting or finishing.
Because 'flat' is not the standard term for an apartment in American English. Americans say 'roommates' or 'sharing an apartment'.
Its technical meanings (painting, metalwork) are formal within those fields. The NZ/AU housing meaning is informal and colloquial.
The process or action of making something flat.
Flatting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflætɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflætɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Flatting it out (resolving issues)”
- “On the flat (competing evenly)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FLATTING: FLAT Things Getting smooth - Imagine a rolling pin making dough FLAT, or a group of friends in a FLAT.
Conceptual Metaphor
SMOOTHNESS IS FINISHED/PREPARED (technical); COMMUNAL LIVING IS A TRANSIT HUB (NZ/AU).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English does 'flatting' most commonly refer to sharing an apartment?