flattery
[ˈflætəɹi]
Flattery is when someone says or does something nice and complimentary to gain favor or approval from another person. It's often used to get what they want.
When people use flattery, it can feel a bit insincere because it's not always genuine praise. However, sometimes flattery can be a way of being polite or making someone feel good. You might hear a salesperson using flattery when trying to sell you something, saying things like "You have great taste" or "This product is perfect for someone with your style." In this case, the goal is not necessarily to make a real compliment but to build trust and get you to buy what they're selling.
How common is "flattery"?
Word flattery is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions
noun
Excessive praise or approval, which is often insincere and sometimes contrived to win favour.
Real examples of "flattery" in context
Real-world video examples for this word are still being added.
