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
Synonyms for flattery
Phrases with flattery
Example
He was laying it on with a trowel, trying to get her to agree to his proposal.
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'
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.
