flatter etymology

Etymology

The word "flatter" comes from the Old French word "flater," which itself derives from the Latin word "flatus," meaning "a blowing." This is likely because flattery is often seen as a way of "blowing up" someone's ego and making them feel good about themselves.

Meaning and Origin

The word "flatter" can be used as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to praise someone excessively or insincerely in order to gain their favor or approval. As a noun, it refers to an expression of excessive or insincere praise.

Flattery has been around for centuries, and it is used in a variety of settings. It can be used to gain favor with superiors, to charm potential romantic partners, or simply to make someone feel good about themselves. While flattery can be a harmless form of social interaction, it can also be used to manipulate and deceive.

Examples

• The salesperson flattered the customer by telling her she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
• The politician flattered the voters by promising to lower taxes and create more jobs.
• The child flattered her parents by telling them how much she loved them.

Synonyms

• Praise
• Compliment
• Adulation
• Cajole
• Wheedle

Antonyms

• Insult
• Criticize
• Condemn
• Blame
• Reproach

flatter relate terms

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• flatter

  Etymology The word flatter comes from the Old French word flater which itself derive

• shimmer

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• shine

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• disparage

  Etymology From Middle English disparagen desparagen desparageren from Anglo Norman F

• blandish

  Etymology Middle English blandisen from Old French blandir from Late Latin blandī

• adulation

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• claw

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• curry

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• gloss

  Etymology From Middle English glose from Old French glose from Medieval Latin gl

• Canterbury

  Etymology of Canterbury The name Canterbury is derived from the Old English words Cant

• flat

  Etymology Old English flaett level ground plain Proto Germanic flatą flat pl

• truckle

  Etymology The word truckle is derived from the Middle English word trokel which itse

• aspire

  Etymology Old French aspirer Latin aspirare ad towards spirare to breathe Me