Flattery
noun
The act of praising someone, often more than they deserve, to make them feel good or to gain their favor.
She used flattery to win the support of her colleagues.
Often appears as...
- excessive flattery
- insincere flattery
noun
Something that enhances appearance; adornment.
The vibrant colors of the flowers were a flattery to the dull garden.
Often appears as...
- visual flattery
- artistic flattery
Usage tips
Formal, Approving
noun
The act of praising someone, often more than they deserve, to make them feel good or to gain their favor.
She used flattery to win the support of her colleagues.
Often appears as...
- excessive flattery
- insincere flattery
noun
Something that enhances appearance; adornment.
The vibrant colors of the flowers were a flattery to the dull garden.
Often appears as...
- visual flattery
- artistic flattery
Usage tips
Formal, Approving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Sincerity Matters
Flattery can seem fake if it's overdone or not genuine. People usually prefer honest compliments.
Just saying 'I admire your work' is better than too much flattery.
Pro Tip 2/3Social Tactic
People use flattery to make others feel good, sometimes with a hidden agenda like seeking favors.
She flattered her boss with compliments before asking for a day off.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Impression
Too much flattery can make someone seem untrustworthy or insincere. It's often seen negatively.
His constant flattery makes him appear insincere.
Pro Tip 1/3Sincerity Matters
Flattery can seem fake if it's overdone or not genuine. People usually prefer honest compliments.
Just saying 'I admire your work' is better than too much flattery.
Pro Tip 2/3Social Tactic
People use flattery to make others feel good, sometimes with a hidden agenda like seeking favors.
She flattered her boss with compliments before asking for a day off.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Impression
Too much flattery can make someone seem untrustworthy or insincere. It's often seen negatively.
His constant flattery makes him appear insincere.
Pro Tip 1/3Sincerity Matters
Flattery can seem fake if it's overdone or not genuine. People usually prefer honest compliments.
Just saying 'I admire your work' is better than too much flattery.
Pro Tip 2/3Social Tactic
People use flattery to make others feel good, sometimes with a hidden agenda like seeking favors.
She flattered her boss with compliments before asking for a day off.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Impression
Too much flattery can make someone seem untrustworthy or insincere. It's often seen negatively.
His constant flattery makes him appear insincere.
Never forget "Flattery"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
Video examples
How to spot a liar PIPE...
Two-year-olds bluff. Five-year-olds lie outright. They manipulate via flattery. Nine-year-olds, masters of the cover-up. By the time you enter college, you're going to lie to your mom in one out of every five interactions. By the time we enter this work world and we're breadwinners,
Video examples
How to spot a liar -...
five-year-olds lie outright they manipulate via flattery nine-year-olds Masters of the cover-up by the time you enter college you're going to lie to your mom and 1 out of every 5 interactions by the time we entered this work world and we're breadwinners we
Video examples
Safari Live - Day 276 PIPE...
coincidence if we did find it so project officers well flattery will take us far thank you hope so now I'm joking it's just that Roger golf always helps us with some very very interesting stuff he often
Video examples
How to spot a liar PIPE...
Two-year-olds bluff. Five-year-olds lie outright. They manipulate via flattery. Nine-year-olds, masters of the cover-up. By the time you enter college, you're going to lie to your mom in one out of every five interactions. By the time we enter this work world and we're breadwinners,
Video examples
How to spot a liar -...
five-year-olds lie outright they manipulate via flattery nine-year-olds Masters of the cover-up by the time you enter college you're going to lie to your mom and 1 out of every 5 interactions by the time we entered this work world and we're breadwinners we
Video examples
Safari Live - Day 276 PIPE...
coincidence if we did find it so project officers well flattery will take us far thank you hope so now I'm joking it's just that Roger golf always helps us with some very very interesting stuff he often
Example 1 of 3
Quote examples
Stacy Schiff
American Author
From every ancient source, we have testimony to Cleopatra's irresistible charm, as Plutarch has it, to her ability to speak many languages including, as he puts it, the language of flattery and essentially, to be able to turn people to her will - really a great political genius, in that respect.
Quote examples
Sonia Sotomayor
American Judge
Sometimes, idealistic people are put off the whole business of networking as something tainted by flattery and the pursuit of selfish advantage. But virtue in obscurity is rewarded only in Heaven. To succeed in this world you have to be known to people.
Quote examples
Cheryl Hines
American Actress
Whenever somebody folds, say, 'Good laydown.' It encourages them to fold on a later hand because it makes them feel like you had the best hand even if you were bluffing. It's an odd form of flattery that seems to work at the poker table.
Quote examples
Pietro Aretino
Italian Poet
Flattery and deceit are the darlings of great men, and so with these men spread the butter on thick, if you want to get something out of them, otherwise you'll come home to me with a full belly and an empty purse.
Quote examples
Jack Vance
American Author
This flattery has been rather slow in coming. I think all of sudden late in life now I'm getting some credit for what I've done. Which is gratifying, but it's kind of a little late.
Quote examples
Cheryl James
American Musician
The best form of flattery is to be admired, imitated or respected. I've always felt proud our fans look up to us or feel we are inspirational.
Quote examples
Edith Sitwell
British Poet
The aim of flattery is to soothe and encourage us by assuring us of the truth of an opinion we have already formed about ourselves.
Quote examples
Lillie Langtry
British Actress
Said I was beautiful, did he? He's being paid for treatment, not flattery.
Quote examples
Mason Cooley
American Writer
Flattery and insults raise the same question: What do you want?
Quote examples
James Monroe
American President
A little flattery will support a man through great fatigue.
Quote examples
Stacy Schiff
American Author
From every ancient source, we have testimony to Cleopatra's irresistible charm, as Plutarch has it, to her ability to speak many languages including, as he puts it, the language of flattery and essentially, to be able to turn people to her will - really a great political genius, in that respect.
Quote examples
Sonia Sotomayor
American Judge
Sometimes, idealistic people are put off the whole business of networking as something tainted by flattery and the pursuit of selfish advantage. But virtue in obscurity is rewarded only in Heaven. To succeed in this world you have to be known to people.
Quote examples
Cheryl Hines
American Actress
Whenever somebody folds, say, 'Good laydown.' It encourages them to fold on a later hand because it makes them feel like you had the best hand even if you were bluffing. It's an odd form of flattery that seems to work at the poker table.
Quote examples
Pietro Aretino
Italian Poet
Flattery and deceit are the darlings of great men, and so with these men spread the butter on thick, if you want to get something out of them, otherwise you'll come home to me with a full belly and an empty purse.
Quote examples
Jack Vance
American Author
This flattery has been rather slow in coming. I think all of sudden late in life now I'm getting some credit for what I've done. Which is gratifying, but it's kind of a little late.
Quote examples
Cheryl James
American Musician
The best form of flattery is to be admired, imitated or respected. I've always felt proud our fans look up to us or feel we are inspirational.
Quote examples
Edith Sitwell
British Poet
The aim of flattery is to soothe and encourage us by assuring us of the truth of an opinion we have already formed about ourselves.
Quote examples
Lillie Langtry
British Actress
Said I was beautiful, did he? He's being paid for treatment, not flattery.
Quote examples
Mason Cooley
American Writer
Flattery and insults raise the same question: What do you want?
Quote examples
James Monroe
American President
A little flattery will support a man through great fatigue.
Example 1 of 10
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension