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adj Uncommon

flattering

FLA-tuh-rihng
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Flattering (adj) means making someone or something look more attractive or impressive than usual. Example: “That's a very flattering photo of you.”

adj
1
Making someone or something look more attractive or impressive than usual.
"That's a very flattering photo of you."
"He wrote her a flattering letter of recommendation."

How to use flattering

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that makes a person or thing look good, sometimes more than is strictly deserved.

Common pairings
flattering light flattering review flattering comparison
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Word forms

Plural
flatterings
Comparative
more flattering
Superlative
most flattering
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

That's a very _____ photo of you.

Etymology

From "flatter" + "-ing."

adulatory flattery soft sawder

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for flattering

See all rhymes for flattering →

Frequently asked questions

What does “flattering” mean?
The word “flattering” means making someone or something look more attractive or impressive than usual. In plain terms, something that makes a person or thing look good, sometimes more than is strictly deserved.
How do you pronounce “flattering”?
“Flattering” is pronounced FLA-tuh-rihng (/ˈflætəɹɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “flattering” in a sentence?
Here is “flattering” used in a sentence: “That's a very flattering photo of you.”
What is another word for “flattering”?
Words with a similar meaning to “flattering” include flattery and soft sawder.
What part of speech is “flattering”?
“Flattering” is an adjective.
Is “flattering” a common word?
“Flattering” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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