Flatter
/ˈflætər/
verbB1
Definition
Flatter means to give someone praise or compliments, sometimes more than they deserve, to make them feel happy or important. People often flatter others to gain favor or kindness, but it can sometimes feel not completely honest.
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See It in Action
To praise or compliment someone, often to please them
- •She flattered her boss by saying he was very smart.
- •He flattered his teacher to get a better grade.
- •They flattered the guest by calling her the best singer.
To make someone feel attractive or important by saying nice things
- •That dress flatters your figure very well.
- •The photographer said the lighting flatters her face.
- •His smile flatters her and makes her feel special.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "flatter" like "say nice" (A1 phrase), but with a goal to please or get something in return
- ✓Picture someone smiling and saying "You look great today!" to make you feel good or to get your help
- ✓It's the feeling when someone tells you you did a great job, even if they might mean it a little more than the truth
- ✓Sounds like "FLAT-ter" → imagine a flat surface that smooths out rough feelings by making you feel good inside
- ✓Remember in stories when a character uses kind words to get what they want, like a friend trying to borrow something by praising you
- ✓NOT like "compliment" (which is usually honest and simple), "flatter" can be more about trying to get something or be polite in a way that might not be fully true
- ✓NOT like "insult" (which is rude), "flatter" is always about saying good things
- ✓NOT like "praise" (which is often honest and deserved), "flatter" can be more about exaggeration or strategy
Try Other Words
- •Compliment: to say something nice honestly (Use when you want to show real appreciation without any hidden meaning)
- •Praise: to express approval or admiration (Use when focusing on honest approval of actions or qualities)
- •Butter up: to flatter someone to get their favor (Use informally when someone is trying to gain an advantage by flattering)
- •Adulate: to praise someone too much, often in a way that is not honest (Use in formal or literary contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No prefix or suffix; root word is "flatter"
- •Etymology: From Old French "flater," meaning to soothe or please by speech
- •Historical development: Originally meant to flatter by speaking softly or gently, later took on the meaning of praising to please someone
- •Modern usage: Used both for honest compliments and for strategic or exaggerated praise to gain favor or make someone feel good
Reflect & Connect
•When is it good to flatter someone, and when can it be harmful?
•How can you tell if someone is flattering you honestly or just trying to get something?
Fill in the blanks
1.People often flatter others to ___ their feelings or to gain ___.
2.Saying "That outfit flatters you" means it makes you look ___ or ___.
3.Unlike honest praise, flatter can sometimes be ___ or have a hidden ___.
4.When she flattered her teacher, she hoped to ___ a better grade.
5.He was careful not to ___ too much because it might seem not ___.
6.Flattering someone usually involves saying nice things to make them feel ___ or ___.
7.If someone flatters you, you can often tell by how ___ their compliments feel.