Flatter Meaning
/ˈflætɚ/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjcomparative form of flat: more flat
verbTo compliment someone, often (but not necessarily) insincerely and sometimes to win favour.
Sentence Examples
You don't need to flatter your boss.
I flatter myself that I'm the best golfer in the club.
CEFR Practice Quiz
It's easy to ____ someone by complimenting their work, even if you don't mean it.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The vertical stripes on the dress are designed to ____ the wearer's figure and make her look taller.
Word Origin & History
From flat + -er (comparative suffix). Compare Icelandic flatari (“flatter, more flat”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Proverbs 29:5:
"Here is her picture: let me see; I think,
If I had such a tire, this face of mine
Were full as lovely as is this of hers:
And yet the painter flatter’d her a little […]"
— c. 1590–1591 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene iv]:
"[…] I went up, and sat there two Hours and an half before I cou’d discern any Thing like Land; and when I first saw it I told my Comrade, but not being certain I wou’d not call out; for the Case was of such Importance, that they were not to be trifled with, or flatter’d into vain Hopes."
— 1743, Robert Drury, The Pleasant, and Surprizing Adventures of Mr. Robert Drury, during his Fifteen Years Captivity on the Island of Madagascar, London, page 9:
"The dire imagination she did follow
This sound of hope doth labour to expel;
For now reviving joy bids her rejoice,
And flatters her it is Adonis’ voice."
— 1593, [William Shakespeare], Venus and Adonis, London: […] Richard Field, […], →OCLC:
"Run after that ſame peeuiſh Meſſenger / The Countes man: he left this Ring behinde him / Would I, or not: tell him, Ile none of it. / Deſire him not to flatter with his Lord, / Nor hold him vp with hopes, I am not for him:"
— c. 1601–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Twelfe Night, or What You Will”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene v], page 287, column 2:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
It's easy to ____ someone by complimenting their work, even if you don't mean it.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The vertical stripes on the dress are designed to ____ the wearer's figure and make her look taller.