flattering compliments

USAGE SUMMARY

"flattering compliments" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing compliments that are intended to praise someone in a way that enhances their self-esteem. An example: "She received flattering compliments on her presentation, boosting her confidence." Alternative expressions include "praise-filled remarks" and "admiring comments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Just being you is enough to garner admiring glances, warm smiles and flattering compliments without the need to be outrageous or to hide your magnificence.

Huffington Post

Though I'm fairly sure that I disagree with him, Laszlo Birinyi of Birinyi Associates had some flattering compliments to lay on RIM today, putting the Waterloo-based company at the top spot of his five investment picks for 2012.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

While flattering, these compliments can come off as too aggressive, especially in the early parts of the conversation.

WikiHow

There's an argument that says these are throw-away comments, intended to flatter or compliment.

The Guardian

They'll also know when you're flattering rather than complimenting from the heart.

WikiHow

"I've never referred to our valuation as being a compliment, or flattering or important in any way," he told me.

TechCrunch

Park said she was initially flattered by Pattiz's compliments about her looks but became increasingly uncomfortable with them.

Los Angeles Times

For instance, a video he posted last August, called "The Ladies Complimenting & Flattering Craig Ferguson" (which features doe-eyed hot seat chats with the likes of Amy Sedaris and Lindsay Sloane), has been watched over a million and a half times.

Vice

Woman: [Usually flattered by the compliment and impressed by your confidence to approach her like that] Jessica.

The Guardian

I am flattered by the compliment, but the real author of the passage in question, perhaps unbeknownst to your reviewer, is John Keats.

The New Yorker

Make sure that the person you are talking to will appreciate light compliments - trying to flatter a person who is very (very) angry or upset will get you nowhere.However, trying to flatter someone who thinks you may be guilty based on what others have said, is the wrong approach to take when it comes to hear-say.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: in highly formal or academic writing, more specific terms like "commendations" or "favorable assessments" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "flattering compliments" in every instance of praise. Since a compliment is inherently positive and usually flattering, the adjective can sometimes be redundant. Use it selectively to highlight particularly strong or surprising praise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flattering compliments" acts as a compound noun phrase where the adjective "flattering" modifies the noun "compliments" to specify the type of praise. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often serves as the object of a verb (e.g., "garner flattering compliments") or as a descriptor of social interaction. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a standard and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

35%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "flattering compliments" is a legitimate and descriptive phrase used to characterize praise that is particularly pleasing or ego-boosting. While Ludwig AI identifies it as relatively rare in terms of exact matches, the individual components are extremely common, and the phrase appears in highly reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It is most effective in descriptive or journalistic writing where the emotional resonance of the praise is important. Writers should be mindful of potential redundancy and may choose alternatives like "<a href="/s/admiring+remarks" target="_blank" rel="alternative">admiring remarks" or "<a href="/s/glowing+tributes" target="_blank" rel="alternative">glowing tributes" for greater variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favorable remarks

More formal and objective than the query

admiring comments

Emphasizes the respect or high regard of the person giving the praise

glowing tributes

Carries a higher intensity and suggest public or official praise

gracious praise

Suggests a level of elegance and politeness in the delivery

kind words

A simpler and more common way to express the same sentiment

praise-filled remarks

Focuses on the content of the speech rather than the effect on the listener

warm approval

Focuses on the emotional support and validation behind the words

fulsome praise

Can sometimes imply excessive or insincere flattery in formal contexts

admiring glances

Shifts the focus from verbal praise to visual expression

sweet-talk

Often carries a negative connotation of manipulative or insincere flattery

FAQs

What does "flattering compliments" mean?

It refers to praise or remarks that are intended to make someone feel good about themselves or to enhance their self-esteem. According to Ludwig AI, it is a common way to describe admiring comments that boost confidence.

Is it correct to say "flattering compliments"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. While it might be slightly redundant, it is used for emphasis in both informal and journalistic writing. If you prefer a more concise option, you can use "<a href="/s/kind+words" target="_blank" rel="alternative">kind words" or "<a href="/s/praise" target="_blank" rel="alternative">praise".

What is the difference between flattery and a compliment?

A compliment is usually a sincere expression of admiration, while flattery can sometimes be excessive or insincere, often used to gain an advantage. If you want to describe sincere praise, you might use "<a href="/s/genuine+praise" target="_blank" rel="alternative">genuine praise" instead of "flattering compliments".

How can I use "flattering compliments" in a professional email?

You might say, "I received several "flattering compliments" regarding our team's performance." However, for a more professional tone, you might consider using "<a href="/s/favorable+feedback" target="_blank" rel="alternative">favorable feedback" or "<a href="/s/positive+comments" target="_blank" rel="alternative">positive comments".