flattery

[ˈflætəri]

flattery Definition

excessive and insincere praise, given especially to further one's own interests.

Using flattery: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "flattery" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She used flattery to get ahead in her career.

  • Example

    His flattery was transparent and unconvincing.

  • Example

    I don't trust people who use flattery to get what they want.

flattery Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with flattery

  • to flatter someone excessively or insincerely

    Example

    He was laying it on with a trowel, trying to get her to agree to his proposal.

  • fish for compliments

    to try to get someone to compliment you

    Example

    She was fishing for compliments, asking everyone how she looked in her new dress.

  • sweet talk

    to talk in a flattering or persuasive way in order to get something

    Example

    He tried to sweet talk his way out of trouble, but it didn't work.

Origins of flattery

from Old French 'flaterie', from 'flater', meaning 'to flatter'

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Summary: flattery in Brief

The term 'flattery' [ˈflætəri] refers to excessive and insincere praise, often given to further one's own interests. It is used to describe behavior such as 'laying it on with a trowel,' or 'sweet talking' someone to get what you want. The phrase 'fish for compliments' describes the act of trying to get someone to compliment you.

How do native speakers use this expression?