World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesFlatter
/ˈflæt.ər/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To praise someone excessively and insincerely, especially in order to get something from them.
"He tried to flatter the boss in hopes of getting a promotion." - 2
To make someone feel honoured and happy.
"I was deeply flattered by the invitation to speak at the conference."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from Middle English 'flateren', which traces back to Old French 'flater' (to pat, caress, flatter), ultimately originating from Germanic roots related to flat surfaces and smoothing things down. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from physical smoothing to metaphorical smoothing of someone's ego through praise.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Flatter"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Flatter" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
flatter
Transliteration: flatter
"Il essaie de flatter son supérieur pour obtenir une promotion."
schmeicheln
Transliteration: schmeicheln
"Er versucht dem Chef zu schmeicheln, um eine Beförderung zu bekommen."
adulare
Transliteration: adulare
"Cerca di adulare il capo per ottenere una promozione."
halagar
Transliteration: halagar
"Intenta halagar al jefe para conseguir un ascenso."
lisonjear
Transliteration: lisonjear
"Ele tenta lisonjear o chefe para conseguir uma promoção."
चापलूसी करना
Transliteration: chaplusi karna
"वह प्रमोशन पाने के लिए बॉस की चापलूसी कर रहा है।"
奉承
Transliteration: fèngcheng
"他试图通过奉承老板来获得晋升。"
아첨하다
Transliteration: ajeomhada
"그는 승진을 하기 위해 상사에게 아첨했다."
お世辞を言う
Transliteration: oseji o iu
"彼は昇進するために上司にお世辞を言っている。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsPlacing the customer's needs, experiences, and preferences at the center of a business's philosophy, operations, and decision-making.
The cold temperature or biting quality of the air characteristic of winter.
To walk with difficulty, typically because of physical injury or stiffness in the legs or feet.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Flatter"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.