1 Answer

flat·ter 1
(fltr)v. flat·tered, flat·ter·ing, flat·ters

v.tr.1. To compliment excessively and often insincerely, especially in order to win favor.

2. To please or gratify the vanity of: "What really flatters a man is that you think him worth flattering" (George Bernard Shaw).

3. a. To portray favorably: a photograph that flatters its subject.

b. To show off becomingly or advantageously.

v.intr.To practice flattery.

[Middle English flateren, from Old French flater, of Germanic origin; see plat- in Indo-European roots.]

flatter·er n.

flatter·ing·ly adv.

flat·ter 2
(fltr)n.1. A flat-faced swage or hammer used by blacksmiths.

2. A die plate for flattening metal into strips, as in the manufacture of watch springs.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

flatter1vb1. to praise insincerely, esp in order to win favour or reward

2. to show to advantage that dress flatters her

3. (tr) to make to appear more attractive, etc., than in reality

4. to play upon or gratify the vanity of (a person) it flatters her to be remembered

5. (tr) to beguile with hope; encourage, esp falsely this success flattered him into believing himself a champion

6. (tr) to congratulate or deceive (oneself) I flatter myself that I am the best[probably from Old French flater to lick, fawn upon, of Frankish origin]

flatterable adj

flatterer n

flatteringly adv

flatter2n1. (Engineering / Tools) a blacksmith's tool, resembling a flat-faced hammer, that is placed on forged work and struck to smooth the surface of the forging

2. (Engineering / Tools) a die with a narrow rectangular orifice for drawing flat sections