flatter

1 of 2

verb

flat·​ter ˈfla-tər How to pronounce flatter (audio)
flattered; flattering; flatters

transitive verb

1
: to praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest
He flattered her with comments about how youthful she looks.
2
a
archaic : beguile sense 2
b
: to encourage or gratify especially with the assurance that something is right
I flatter myself that my interpretation is correct.
3
a
: to portray too favorably
The portrait flatters him.
b
: to display to advantage
Candlelight often flatters the face.
flatterer noun

flatter

2 of 2

noun

: one that flattens
especially : a flat-faced swage used in smithing

Examples of flatter in a Sentence

Verb He flattered her with comments about her youthful appearance. It flattered her to be asked to sing at their wedding. That dress really flatters your figure.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
If Glenn Horowitz comes calling, should you be flattered or alarmed? Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 The interior layout looks open for a tiny house and not too fussy, flattering the small space available. Adam Williams, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2024
Noun
How sharp of Aegon not to fall for the scheme, the Clubfoot flatters, in turn securing an official role in Aegon’s government as Master of Whisperers. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 30 June 2024 But House Hunters appeals to, flatters, and even occasionally tuts at the same set of concerns and desires as those other shows. Phillip MacIak, The New Republic, 24 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for flatter 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English flateren, from Anglo-French flater to lap, flatter, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German flaz flat

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1714, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flatter was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near flatter

Cite this Entry

“Flatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatter. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

flatter

verb
flat·​ter
ˈflat-ər
1
: to praise too much and not sincerely
2
: to judge oneself as better than another
I flatter myself on my skill in dancing
3
: to represent too attractively
a picture that flatters me
flatterer
-ər-ər
noun
flatteringly
-ə-riŋ-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on flatter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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