Word: flatter Part of Speech: verb Etymology: *From Middle English flatteren, flateren (“to flutter, float, fawn over”), probably a conflation of Old English floterian, flotorian (“to flutter, float, be disquieted”), from Proto-West Germanic *flotrōn, from Proto-Germanic *flutrōną (“to be floating”), from Proto-Indo-European *plewd- (“to flow, swim”), equivalent to float + -er; and Old Norse flaðra (“to fawn on someone, flatter”), from Proto-Germanic *flaþrōną (“to fawn over, flutter”), from Proto-Indo-European *peled- (“moisture, wetness”), *pel- (“to gush, pour out, fill, flow, swim, fly”). Cognate with Scots flatter, flotter (“to float; splash; cover with liquid”), Middle Dutch flatteren (“to embellish, flatter, caress”), German flattern (“to flutter”). *The word was also falsely associated with 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”), from *flataz (“flat”), probably from Proto-Indo-European *pleth₂-, *pleh₂- (“flat, broad, plain”); related to Old High German flazza (“palm, flat of the hand”), Old High German flaȥ (“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. Pronunciation: /ˈflætɚ/, [ˈflæɾɚ], /ˈflætə/ 1. To compliment someone, often (but not necessarily) insincerely and sometimes to win favour. Labels: ambitransitive Example: A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet. Example: 1855, William H. Prescott, History of the Reign of Philip the Second, King of Spain, Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co., Volume 1, Book 1, Chapter 7, p. 242, Some he complimented for their bravery; others he flattered by asking their advice. 2. To enhance or gratify someone's vanity by praising them. Labels: ambitransitive 3. To portray someone to advantage. Labels: ambitransitive Example: Her portrait flatters her. Example: Here is her picture: let me see; I think, If I had such a tire, this face of mine Were full as lovely as is this of hers: And yet the painter flatter’d her a little […] 4. To encourage or cheer someone with (usually false) hope. Labels: ambitransitive Example: […] I went up, and sat there two Hours and an half before I cou’d discern any Thing like Land; and when I first saw it I told my Comrade, but not being certain I wou’d not call out; for the Case was of such Importance, that they were not to be trifled with, or flatter’d into vain Hopes. 5. To cheer or please (with the idea that); congratulate oneself, especially when the perception is false. Labels: ambitransitive, reflexive, usually Example: Before the results came out, I flattered myself that I had done well on the test. It turned out I was the worst in the class! Example: The dire imagination she did follow This sound of hope doth labour to expel; For now reviving joy bids her rejoice, And flatters her it is Adonis’ voice. 6. To cheer or please (with the idea that); congratulate oneself, especially when the perception is false. Labels: ambitransitive, intransitive, obsolete, reflexive, usually Example: Run after that ſame peeuiſh Meſſenger / The Countes man: he left this Ring behinde him / Would I, or not: tell him, Ile none of it. / Deſire him not to flatter with his Lord, / Nor hold him vp with hopes, I am not for him: