Meaning & use
flattering me
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
praising someone, often more than they deserve, in order to please them or win their favor
Grammar: The verb 'flatter' takes a direct object, so 'me' follows it directly. You can also say 'flattering him', 'flattering her', etc.
Patterns
- flattering someone
- stop flattering me
- you're flattering me
She keeps flattering me, but I don't believe a word she says.
He was flattering me so much that I started to feel uncomfortable.
Are you flattering me just to get a free meal?
phrasefixed phrase
making someone feel pleased and special by giving them attention or compliments
Grammar: This sense often appears in the continuous form, as in 'You're flattering me', and can be a polite way to respond to a compliment.
Patterns
- you're flattering me
- flattering me with compliments
You're flattering me with all these compliments!
I know you're just flattering me, but it still feels nice.
Common combinations
- keep flattering someone
- He kept flattering me, hoping I would change my mind.
- stop flattering me
- Stop flattering me and tell me the truth.
- flattering me with compliments
- She was flattering me with compliments about my work.
- you're flattering me
- You're flattering me — I'm not that good!
Synonyms and how they differ
- praising
- Praising is more general and can be sincere; flattering often suggests the praise is excessive or not fully honest.
- complimenting
- Complimenting is usually sincere and specific; flattering can imply a hidden motive.
- buttering up
- Buttering up is informal and stronger, suggesting you are trying to get something from the person.
Opposites
Word family
- flatter verb
- To praise someone, often more than they deserve.
- flattery noun
- Excessive or insincere praise.
- flattering adjective
- Making someone look or feel better than they really are.
- flatterer noun
- A person who flatters others.
Commonly confused: flattering me or flattering?
flattering me vs flattering
As an adjective, 'flattering' describes something that makes you look good (a flattering dress). As a verb form, 'flattering me' is an action.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'flattering me' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Flatter' takes a direct object, so 'flattering me' is correct. 'Flattering to me' would mean 'making me look good', which is different. 'For get' and 'me get' are grammatically wrong.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “flattering me”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.