What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flattering
Example
That dress is very flattering on you. [flattering: adjective]
Example
He was flattered by her attention. [flattered: verb]
Example
The job offer was quite flattering. [flattering: adjective]
adulatory
Example
The adulatory speech made the recipient uncomfortable. [adulatory: adjective]
Example
She was accused of being adulatory towards her boss. [adulatory: adjective]
Example
The article was criticized for its adulatory tone towards the celebrity. [adulatory: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flattering is more commonly used than adulatory in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flattering and adulatory?
While both words can be used in formal contexts, adulatory is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while flattering is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
