flatter

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Etymology 1.3 Adjective 1.4 Noun 1.5 Verb 1.5.1 Related terms 1.5.2 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

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• Rhymes: -ætə(r)

[edit] Etymology

Middle English flatteren, flateren "to flutter, float, fawn over", probably from Old English floterian "to float, flutter". Akin to Old Norse flaþra. The Middle English word was reinforced in meaning by unrelated Old French flatter "to stroke, caress, flatter", a word of Germanic origin, from Frankish *flat "palm, flat of the hand". More at flat

[edit] Adjective

flatter (comparative)

1. Comparative form of flat: more flat.

[edit] Noun

flatter (plural flatters)

1. A type of hammer used by blacksmiths.
2. Someone who flattens, purposely or accidently. Also flattener.

[edit] Verb

to flatter (third-person singular simple present flatters, present participle flattering, simple past and past participle flattered) (transitive and intransitive)

1. To compliment someone, often insincerely and sometimes to win favour
2. To enhance someone's vanity by praising them
3. To portray something to advantage.
4. To convey notions of the facts that are believed to be favorable to the hearer without certainty of the truthfulness of the notions conveyed.

[edit] Related terms

• flattery
• flatterer

[edit] Translations