flatter

Meaning

Adj

comparative form of flat: more flat

Verb

1. (ambitransitive) To compliment someone, often (but not necessarily) insincerely and sometimes to win favour.
2. (ambitransitive) To enhance or gratify someone's vanity by praising them.
3. (ambitransitive) To portray someone to advantage.
4. (ambitransitive) To encourage or cheer someone with (usually false) hope.
5. (ambitransitive, reflexive, usually) To cheer or please (with the idea that); congratulate oneself, especially when the perception is false.
6. (ambitransitive, intransitive, obsolete, reflexive, usually) To cheer or please (with the idea that); congratulate oneself, especially when the perception is false.

Noun

1. (ambitransitive) A type of set tool used by blacksmiths.
2. (ambitransitive) A flat-faced fulling hammer.
3. (ambitransitive) A drawplate with a narrow, rectangular orifice, for drawing flat strips such as watch springs.
4. (ambitransitive) Someone who flattens, purposely or accidentally. Also flattener.

Noun

Someone who lives in a rented flat.

flat

• Adj
• Adv
• Noun
• Verb
• Noun
• Verb

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Synonyms

fawn on

praise

adulate

compliment

fawn

blandish

coax

toady

cajole

wheedle

butter up

curry favour with

curry favor

court

stir up

truckle

curry favour

sweet talk

curry favor

humour

curry favour

suck up to

ingratiate oneself with

fawn upon

soft-soap

suck up

gloze

blarney

curry flavour

eulogize

lift up

instigate

extol

laud

gratify

lick one’s boots

curry favor with

play up to

talk into

cringe

soothe

console

soft soap

flattery

please

persuade

incite

raise

entice

celebrate

Translations

flatter

schmeicheln

adulare

adular

lusingare

vleien

aduler

halagar

afalagar

lisonjear

adular

amadouer

lisonjear

κολακεύω

gabar

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈflætɚ/

Etymology

Cognate with Icelandic: flatari

Inherited from Middle English: flatteren

Inherited from Old English: floterian

Cognate with Scots: flatter

Cognate with Middle Dutch: flatteren

Cognate with German: flattern

Cognate with Old High German: flaz

In summary

From flat + -er (comparative suffix). Compare Icelandic flatari (“flatter, more flat”).