flatter

6 definitions • 11 examples

to praise someone in order to make them feel attractive or important, sometimes in a way that is not sincere:

I knew he was only flattering me because he wanted to borrow some money.

to believe something good about yourself although it might not be true:

[ + that ] Steve flatters himself that he's an excellent speaker.

He flatters himself that, where Sara is concerned, he has the magic touch.

I had thought I was quite good with tricky people but perhaps I flatter myself.

I was under the impression he found me rather funny but maybe I flatter myself.

Don't flatter yourself, Peter. She's like that with everyone.

to give the appearance of being better than the true situation:

I suspect these statistics flatter to deceive.

to feel very pleased and proud because someone has said good things about you or has made you feel important:

She was flattered by his attention.

to make someone look more attractive than usual:

That new hairstyle really flatters her.

Short skirts don't flatter me at all.

to make someone feel important or attractive, or to praise someone in order to please him or her:

They were flattered by the invitation from the mayor.