flattering etymology

Etymology:

The word "flattering" originates from the Middle English word "flaten," meaning "to make flat." It evolved from the Old English word "fleta," which means "level or flat."

Meaning:

• To praise excessively or insincerely
• To try to gain favor by saying things that are not genuine
• To make something appear more attractive or better than it actually is

Origin:

The concept of flattery has been around for centuries. In ancient Greece, it was known as "kolakeia" and was considered a vice. Plato and Aristotle both condemned flattery as a form of deception.

In the Middle Ages, flattery became more common as people sought to gain power and influence. The Italian Renaissance saw a rise in the use of flattering language as a tool for diplomacy and social advancement.

By the 16th century, the word "flattering" had taken on its modern meaning of insincere or excessive praise. It was often used in a negative sense to describe those who sought to achieve their goals through deception rather than genuine merit.

Usage Examples:

• "She was flattered by his compliments, but she knew better than to believe them."
• "Politicians often use flattery to win over voters."
• "It's important to distinguish between genuine compliments and flattery."

flattering relate terms

• flatter

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

• shimmer

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• flattering

  Etymology The word flattering originates from the Middle English word flaten meanin

• fulsome

  Etymology Origin Mid 17th century from Middle French folsom denoting something that f

• Damocles

  Etymology and Origin Greek Δαμόκλεις Damokleēs Meaning Name Damocl

• sleek

  Etymology Sleek is derived from the Middle English word slik which in turn comes fro

• prestige

  Etymology The word prestige comes from the French word prestige which in turn comes

• smooth

  Etymology The word smooth is derived from the Middle English word smoþe which in tu

• disparage

  Etymology From Middle English disparagen desparagen desparageren from Anglo Norman F

• aspire

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

• praise

  Etymology of Praise Origin Old French preisier 12th century Relation to Other Lan

• fawn

  Etymology The word fawn originates from the Old English word fægen which meant gl

• blandish

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