flattery

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'flattery' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe excessive and insincere praise of someone. For example: "He was always using flattery to try and get what he wanted from people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Apple's chief designer Jony Ive also recently hit out at Xiaomi's alleged copying, dismissing suggestions of flattery saying "I think it is really straightforward.

The Guardian - Tech

It's a narrative that was enunciated by Apple's head of design Jonathan Ive, who when asked about the company last October was blunt: he "didn't see [the similarities in design] as flattery" and called the superficial similarity in appearance of Xiaomi's phones and software "theft" and "lazy".

The Guardian - Tech

Apple's chief designer, Jony Ive, has criticised companies that copy Apple's design calling it "theft" and "lazy" and certainly not "flattery".

The Guardian - Tech

She didn't mind that, I mean, nobody minds a bit of flattery, do they?

The Guardian

The fact that the flattery is unrelated to the facts is neither here nor there.

The Guardian - Opinion

They say imitation is a form of flattery – but the Fondation Le Corbusier doesn't see it that way.

The Guardian - Arts

Nor is he driven by ambition and head-turning flattery like Javid, who had the job before him.

The Guardian

"We'd decided it was a new form of flattery," Hank explained.

The Guardian - Tech

After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, as the Chinese continue to demonstrate, so go ahead and build an homage to your favourite architect – and make it a bit bigger than the original while you're at it.

The Guardian - Arts

Apple's chief designer Jony Ive recently hit out at Xiaomi's alleged copying dismissing suggestions of flattery saying "I think it is really straightforward.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Despite the self-flattery, there was an element of truth in it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing flattery, consider using adjectives to specify its nature, such as "crude flattery" or "subtle flattery", to provide more context.

Common error

Avoid mistaking genuine appreciation for "flattery". Ensure your praise is sincere and specific to the person or situation, rather than generic and exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

"Flattery" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the act of giving excessive or insincere praise. Ludwig confirms this usage, showcasing examples where "flattery" is the subject or object of a sentence, highlighting its role in describing a behavior or action. This aligns with its dictionary definition as excessive or insincere praise.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flattery" is a noun that describes excessive and often insincere praise, typically used to gain favor or manipulate someone. Ludwig AI confirms that "flattery" is grammatically correct and widely used, although it often carries a negative connotation. The most frequent contexts for "flattery" are news and media and formal business settings. When writing, it's important to distinguish between genuine appreciation and "flattery", ensuring your praise is sincere and specific. Avoid overuse to maintain credibility. Synonyms include "adulation", "ingratiation", and "sycophancy", which can be used to convey varying degrees of intensity and insincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adulation

Implies excessive admiration or praise, often to the point of being servile.

ingratiation

Suggests an attempt to gain favor through deliberate charm and flattery.

sycophancy

Highlights the servile and self-seeking nature of the flattery.

servile praise

Emphasizes the submissive nature of the praise given.

obsequiousness

Focuses on the fawning and overly compliant behavior associated with flattery.

empty compliments

Highlights the insincerity and lack of substance in the flattery.

insincere praise

Directly points out the lack of genuineness in the praise.

buttering up

An informal idiom describing the act of flattering someone to get them to do something.

sweet talk

Implies using charming or flattering words to persuade someone.

blarney

Suggests skillful and persuasive flattery, often with a touch of Irish charm.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "flattery" in a sentence?

Use "flattery" to describe insincere or excessive praise meant to gain favor. For example, "He used "crude flattery" to try and get a promotion."

What are some alternatives to the word "flattery"?

You can use alternatives like "adulation", "ingratiation", or "sycophancy" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "flattery" always negative?

"Flattery" often carries a negative connotation due to its association with insincerity and manipulation. However, in some contexts, it can simply refer to excessive praise without necessarily implying malicious intent.

What's the difference between "flattery" and a compliment?

A compliment is genuine and sincere praise, while "flattery" often involves exaggeration or insincerity to gain favor. The key difference lies in the intent and genuineness behind the praise.