French Conversation · Level 83
60 words
French word
flatteur
Pronunciation
IPA/flatœʁ/
Meaning
- adjectiveflattering
Example
Ce compliment est flatteur.
This compliment is flattering.
More examples
Il utilise un ton flatteur pour obtenir des avantages.
He uses a flattering tone to gain advantages.
Core concept
A compliment polished to please its target while quietly serving the speaker's interests.
Common phrases
un compliment flatteur
flattering compliment
un regard flatteur
flattering look
un ton flatteur
flattering tone
Similar words
mielleux: Unnaturally sweet in speech or manner, designed to persuade.
obséquieux: Overly deferential in a way that seems insincere.
servile: Obedient and self-abasing to the point of seeming servile.
enjôleur: Using charm to attract someone and steer them toward a desired action.
Definition in French
Qui fait des compliments dans le but de séduire, d'obtenir un avantage ou d'influencer, souvent de manière intéressée.
Word origin
Flatteur comes from flatter through Old French flater, whose older sense of stroking developed into the figurative sense of praising.
Usage tips
- As an adjective, flatteur agrees in gender and number: flatteuse, flatteurs, and flatteuses.