flattering

Pronunciation: /ˈflætəɹɪŋ/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb praise somewhat dishonestly
  2. adjective showing or representing to advantage

Etymology

From Middle English flatering, flatrung (gerund), equivalent to flatter + -ing.

Synonyms

flatter, blandish

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
praise
Narrower (hyponyms)
stroke, soft-soap, butter up, fawn, adulate
Opposite (antonyms)
disparage

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