flattering

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "flattering" is correct and usable in written English.
The word "flattering" is typically used to describe someone's compliments or actions that make someone feel good about themselves. For example, "I was so flattered when she gave me a compliment about my performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Joachim Löw's team may have lacked the star names of their South American rivals, but they were always the more dangerous side here, with the scoreline, even at 4-0, anything but flattering.

The Guardian - Sport

The idea that it is opening with a play that I have written is flattering.

The Guardian

The moniker followed the "CR7" template but the comparison wasn't all that flattering.

The Guardian - Sport

In hindsight, I think it would be flattering Powell to say that he was entirely responsible for the effect of his speeches, but it's true that by marrying his version of nationalism to racist rage he gave British racism and racist violence in British streets its own peculiar shape for a time, and it bore his name, Powellism.

The Guardian

The way this poll is structured may be flattering to Labour's prospects.

The Guardian

Also, the width at the ankle is flattering to the girth of the thigh.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When a person elects to trade privacy for fame and expose their entire family on reality television, as both Mama June Shannon and Hockey Mom Palin chose to do, they are also forfeiting the right to seek privacy only when the circumstances are less than flattering.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's actually quite flattering.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then again, one reason why professional women have prospered is that it is so easy for them to hire working-class women to mind their children and clean their homes: Brazil has around 7m domestic workers, almost all women.Not all the figures are so flattering.

The Economist

The article's descriptions of Toyota's famous lean production systems are not flattering: at Nizumi, workers were not given "even a second to think".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And he can explain his rationale for buying Sprint with few notes and with (albeit self-flattering) jokes.But whereas the 55-year-old son of Korean-born parents remains an iconoclast in Japan, the pickle that he is in is familiar enough.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing content for a business, a product, or service, use "flattering" when trying to describe something that boosts self-esteem to the customer. Make sure it's grammatically used.

Common error

Avoid using "flattering" to describe situations that are negative or critical. It implies a positive or complimentary aspect, so using it in the wrong context can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flattering" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that enhances appearance, boosts self-esteem, or presents something in a favorable light. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and positive connotation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flattering" functions primarily as an adjective used to describe something that enhances appearance or boosts self-esteem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using "flattering", ensure it aligns with its positive connotation and avoid misusing it in negative contexts. Remember to use similar terms such as "complimentary", "becoming", or "gratifying" for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complimentary

Focuses on the expression of praise or admiration, similar to enhancing one's self-esteem.

becoming

Refers to something that enhances someone's appearance or qualities.

gratifying

Emphasizes the pleasing or satisfying nature of something.

appealing

Highlights the attractiveness or desirability of something.

favorable

Indicates a positive or advantageous aspect.

laudatory

Implies high praise and commendation.

supportive

Suggests providing encouragement and approval.

propitious

Emphasizes favorable conditions or circumstances.

advantageous

Highlights the benefits or gains offered.

prepossessing

Describes something that makes a good first impression.

FAQs

How can I use "flattering" in a sentence?

You can use "flattering" to describe something that makes someone look good or feel appreciated. For example, "That dress is very "becoming"," or "It's "gratifying" to hear such positive feedback."

What are some synonyms for "flattering"?

Synonyms for "flattering" include "complimentary", "becoming", "gratifying", and "appealing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "flattering" in formal writing?

Yes, "flattering" is appropriate for formal writing when used correctly to describe something positive. Ensure the context aligns with its complimentary meaning.

What is the difference between "flattering" and "unflattering"?

"Flattering" describes something that enhances appearance or boosts self-esteem, while "unflattering" describes something that detracts from appearance or diminishes self-esteem.