Flatter

To praise someone excessively, often insincerely, typically to gain favor or to make the person feel good about themselves. Flattery can be seen as a tactic to manipulate or influence others, but it may also arise from genuine admiration or affection. The act of flattering can happen in various contexts, from personal relationships to professional settings, where a desire to build rapport or ingratiate oneself is present.

Flatter meaning with examples

• At the gala, she couldn’t help but flatter the guest of honor, extolling their achievements and sharing how their work had inspired her. While everyone enjoyed her kind words, she was secretly hoping to gain a favor in return, possibly an introduction to influential contacts in the industry, which made her intentions seem less than entirely genuine.
• In a performance review, the employee decided to flatter their boss by highlighting the numerous ways they had improved the team’s efficiency, though some of the claims were exaggerated. The employee hoped that such praise would work in their favor and possibly result in a promotion, blending admiration with a hint of self-interest.
• He was keen on dating her, so he would often flatter her with compliments about her intelligence and beauty, making her feel special. His words, while sweet, sometimes felt overly rehearsed, which led her to question whether his admiration was entirely sincere or part of a charming game to win her heart.
• When she overheard her friend flattering their teacher about her teaching style, she felt a pang of jealousy. She knew her friend was trying to win some extra points for an upcoming project, which made her realize that flattery often has ulterior motives beneath its sweet surface, complicating friendships in school.
• The politician relied heavily on flattery during his campaign, speaking highly of his constituents and promising to address their needs with unwavering commitment. While many people appreciated his words and felt touched, others remained skeptical, questioning the authenticity behind such adulation in exchange for their votes, illustrating the thin line between genuine support and calculated flattery.