ENGLISH
REFERENCE

flattering

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfɫætɝɪŋ// UK //flˈætəɹɪŋ// flat·ter·ing

adj. making you look or feel better, more attractive, or more important than you really are. You use this to describe clothes that make you look good or comments that make you feel special.

adj. enhancing the appearance or reputation of a subject; portraying someone or something in a more favourable light than is strictly accurate. Often used to describe lighting, clothing, or social praise.


SIMPLE

That blue dress is very flattering on you.

CONTEXTUAL

The photographer used soft lighting to create a flattering portrait that hid the subject's wrinkles.

COMPLEX

While the review was generally flattering, the author noted that the protagonist's motivations remained somewhat opaque throughout the second act.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English flatering, flatrung (gerund), equivalent to flatter + -ing.

Usage

Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'look', or 'seem'. Frequently paired with the preposition 'on' when referring to clothing.

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