I. ˈflad.ə(r), -atə- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English flateren, irregular from Old French flater to lick, flatter, from (assumed) Old Frankish flat, adjective, flat; akin to Old High German flaz flat — more at flat
transitive verb
1. : to praise excessively or fulsomely especially from motives of self-interest : gratify or appeal to the self-love or vanity of usually by artful and interested commendation or attentions
2.
a. archaic : to make more pleasant or less oppressive : beguile , soothe
b. : to encourage (as a person or his hopes) especially by false or specious representations
flattered the old man by asking him to climb the mountain
c. : to please or gratify (as oneself) usually with the assurance that something (as a view or procedure) is right or acceptable
flatter myself that only the most caviling critics can take exception to my interpretation
flattered himself that the young people wanted his company for its own sake, not the luxuries he provided
also : to congratulate (oneself) in respect to something
suppose I may flatter myself that I am not a fool
d. : gratify
balmy breezes flattered his skin
3.
a. : to portray too favorably
that picture flatters him
b. : to display or set off to advantage : make the most of the good points of
a draped neckline designed to flatter the stylish stout
soft rosy light that flatters tired skins
4. obsolete : to touch caressingly : fondle
intransitive verb
1. obsolete , of an animal : to show fondness (as by fawning or cries)
2. : to use flattery
II. intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English flateren, alteration of floteren to float, flutter — more at flutter
obsolete : flutter , float
III.
comparative of flat I
IV. ˈflad.ə(r), -atə- noun
( -s )
Etymology: flat (IV) + -er
: one that flattens: as
a. : a drawplate with a narrow rectangular orifice for drawing flat strips (as watch springs)
b. : a flat-faced swage used in smithing