v. flat·tered, flat·ter·ing, flat·ters v.tr. 1. To compliment excessively and often insincerely, especially in order to win favor. 2. To please or gratify the vanity of: "What really flatters a man is that you think him worth flattering" (George Bernard Shaw). 3. a. To portray favorably: a photograph that flatters its subject. b. To show off becomingly or advantageously. v.intr. To practice flattery. [Middle English flateren, from Old French flater, of Germanic origin; see plat- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] flatter·er n. flatter·ing·ly adv. |
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