# flattered

/ˈfɫætɝd/ (US) · /flˈætəd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flattered
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

feeling pleased and proud because someone has said something good about you or shown you respect.

For teachers: feeling gratified or honored by praise, attention, or a specific gesture of respect. Often used predicatively after linking verbs such as 'feel' or 'be'.

## Examples

- I was flattered when she asked for my advice.
- He felt deeply flattered that the committee invited him to give the opening speech at the conference.
- While she was flattered by the sudden media attention, she remained cautious about how it might affect her privacy in the long term.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I was flattering by the news" but "I was flattered by the news" — Learners often confuse the -ed adjective (the feeling) with the -ing adjective (the thing causing the feeling).

## Usage notes

- Often follows linking verbs like 'feel', 'be', or 'seem'. Frequently takes a 'that' clause or an infinitive ('flattered to meet you').

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.