Spanish word

lisonjero

Pronunciation

IPA/lisoŋˈxeɾo/

Meaning

  • adjectiveflattering

Example

Mi jefe es lisonjero y siempre sonríe.

My boss is flattering and always smiles.

Illustration for lisonjero (flattering)

More examples

Un gesto lisonjero puede abrir puertas pero también generar desconfianza.

A flattering gesture can open doors but also generate mistrust.

Core concept

Exaggerated compliments offered to win advantage.

Common phrases

  • ser lisonjero

    be flattering

  • gesto lisonjero

    flattering gesture

  • comentario lisonjero

    flattering comment

Similar words

adulador: Uses flattery to please others or win them over, often self-serving.
halagador: Praises someone's good qualities in a complimentary, usually sincere way.
zalamero: Uses sweet, coaxing words to soften the mood and charm others.
obsequioso: Shows excessive deference to superiors through ingratiating flattery.

Definition in Spanish

Que suele expresar cumplidos exagerados o poco sinceros para agradar a alguien o sacar ventaja.

Word origin

Derived from lisonja 'flattery' with the suffix -ero that indicates tendency or relation, hence lisonjero means tending to flatter.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English 'flattering', which can be positive, lisonjero usually implies insincerity, so use 'halagador' for a genuinely flattering remark or describe the action to avoid sounding accusatory.

Other meanings

  • toadyingnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • lisonjaflatterynoun
  • lisonjearflatterverb

Word lists with this word