flattery — Excessive or insincere praise given to someone, typically to gain favor or advantage.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: Excessive or insincere praise given to someone, typically to gain favor or advantage.
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈflætəri/
Example Sentences
- The boss saw right through his employee's flattery when he asked for a raise.
- Her flattery was so thick you could cut it with a knife - 'Oh professor, you're the most brilliant teacher in the universe!'
- Politicians often use flattery to win voters' hearts during campaign season.
flattery
NOUN[/ˈflætəri/]
Excessive or insincere praise given to someone, typically to gain favor or advantage.
The painter's flattery made the overweight king believe he looked like a handsome hero.
Lying FLAT, the servant's flattery won the queen's favor.
After the vase began to shatter, the maid used flattery to escape punishment.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From 14th century Old French 'flaterie', derived from 'flater' meaning 'to stroke with the hand'. The idea comes from how you might stroke a dog to calm it - using smooth words to soothe someone.
Breakdown
flatter (to stroke, smooth over) + -y (noun suffix indicating the act or practice of)
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“The boss saw right through his employee's flattery when he asked for a raise.”
“Her flattery was so thick you could cut it with a knife - 'Oh professor, you're the most brilliant teacher in the universe!'”
“Politicians often use flattery to win voters' hearts during campaign season.”
“My cat's flattery consists of purring loudly whenever I open a can of tuna.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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