Pronunciation: /ˈflætəri/

Definitions of flattery

noun excessive and insincere praise, especially that given to further one's own interests

Example Sentences

A1 She was happy to receive flattery from her friends.

A2 The salesman tried to win her over with flattery.

B1 She saw through his flattery and knew he was just trying to manipulate her.

B2 Although she appreciated the flattery, she didn't let it affect her decision-making.

C1 He was skilled in the art of flattery, able to charm even the most discerning individuals.

C2 The politician's flattery was so transparent that no one believed his words were genuine.

verb flatter (to praise someone insincerely to their face in order to manipulate or deceive them)

Example Sentences

A1 She flattered her friend by complimenting her new haircut.

A2 He flattered his boss in hopes of getting a promotion.

B1 The salesman tried to flatter the customer into buying the more expensive product.

B2 She was skilled at flattery, always knowing the right words to say to make someone feel good about themselves.

C1 His flattery was so transparent that no one believed his intentions were sincere.

C2 The politician was known for his subtle flattery of his constituents, always making them feel important and valued.

Examples of flattery in a Sentence

formal The politician was not swayed by the flattery of the lobbyists.

informal She couldn't help but blush at his flattery.

slang I see you trying to butter me up with all that flattery.

figurative Flattery is like perfume - smelling it is fine, but swallowing it is dangerous.

Grammatical Forms of flattery

past tense

flattered

plural

flatteries

comparative

more flattering

superlative

most flattering

present tense

flatters

future tense

will flatter

perfect tense

have flattered

continuous tense

is flattering

singular

flattery

positive degree

flattering

infinitive

to flatter

gerund

flattering

participle

flattered

Origin and Evolution of flattery

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'flattery' originated from the Latin word 'flatteria' which means 'to stroke, caress'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'flattery' has retained its original meaning of excessive praise or compliments, often insincere, used to gain favor or manipulate others.