Flatter

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ætÉ™(ɹ)

flat + -er

Noun

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

Adjective

1. flatter

   (comparative of flat)

From Middle French flatter ("to flatter, to caress with the flat of the hand"), from Old French flater ("to deceive by concealing the truth, to stroke with the palm of the hand"), from Frankish *flat ("palm, flat of the hand"), from Proto-Germanic *flatą, *flatō ("palm, sole"), *flataz ("flat"), from Proto-Indo-European *plÁt-, *pele-, *plet-, *plāk- ("flat, broad, plain"). Cognate with Old High German flazza ("palm, flat of the hand"), Old High German flaz ("level, flat"), Old Saxon flat ("flat"), Old Norse flatr ("flat") (whence English flat), Old Frisian flet, flette ("dwelling, house"), Old English flet, flett ("ground floor, dwelling"). More at flat.

Full definition of flatter

Verb

1. to compliment someone, often insincerely and sometimes to win favour
• Bible, Proverbs xxix. 5A man that flattereth his neighbour, spreadeth a net for his feet.
• PrescottOthers he flattered by asking their advice.
2. to enhance someone's vanity by praising them
3. to portray something to advantage.Her portrait flatters her.
4. to convey notions of the facts that are believed to be favorable to the hearer without certainty of the truthfulness of the notions conveyed.

Related terms

• flattery
• flatterer