Basic Details
Word: Flatter
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To praise someone in a way that makes them feel good, often to get something from them.
Synonyms: Compliment, Praise, Adulate
Antonyms: Criticise, Insult, Disparage
Idioms and Phrases
- Flattery will get you nowhere: This means that just saying nice things to someone wont help you if there is no real action. Example: "You can tell him he's the best chef in town, but flattery will get you nowhere if he doesn't like you."
- Sweet talk: To speak in a flattering or persuasive manner. Example: "He tried to sweet talk his way into getting extra time for his project."
Usage Examples
Example 1: She didnt believe him when he started to flatter her about her dress; she thought he just wanted something in return.
Example 2: John complimented his teacher, hoping that his flattery would earn him extra credit for the class.
Example 3: Despite his flattery, she could see through his insincerity and knew he was just trying to win her approval.
Fun Fact
The word "flatter" comes from the Old French word "flater," which means to stroke or caress. This reflects the idea of "stroking" someone's ego with compliments.
Famous Quote
"The greatest way to convince people is to spend time with them, talk to them, and flatter them." - Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "flatter" mean?
a) To criticise someone
b) To praise someone to make them feel good
c) To ignore someone
d) To help someone
Answer: b) To praise someone to make them feel good
2. Which of these is a synonym of "flatter"?
a) Insult
b) Disparage
c) Praise
d) Criticise
Answer: c) Praise
3. Which of the following is an antonym for "flatter"?
a) Compliment
b) Adulate
c) Criticise
d) Adore
Answer: c) Criticise
4. Which sentence uses "flatter" correctly?
a) She tried to flatter her friend to make her feel better.
b) The dog began to flatter at the ball.
c) He was too busy to flatter the people around him.
d) They decided to flatter the food at the restaurant.
Answer: a) She tried to flatter her friend to make her feel better.
5. What does the idiom "flattery will get you nowhere" mean?
a) Being nice will always help you
b) Compliments alone won't lead to real results
c) Flatter someone to gain their trust
d) Saying nice things will win a friendship
Answer: b) Compliments alone won't lead to real results
