flattering

/ˈflætərɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈflætərɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfla-tər-iŋ/ (ame, mw)

flattering — adjective

  • flatteringpositive
  • more flatteringcomparative
  • most flatteringsuperlative

1. making a person, their body, or their features look more attractive than they us

1.形容詞B1
釋義

making a person, their body, or their features look more attractive than they usually do — used especially for clothing, hairstyles, colours, lighting, or camera angles that improve the way someone appears.

例句

Dahlia chose a dress with a cut that was flattering on her shoulders.

flattering on [body part]

The warm yellow light in the living room was flattering to everyone's complexion.

flattering to [feature]

同義詞
  • becoming

    slightly old-fashioned; focuses on appropriateness and harmony of style

  • slimming

    specifically about making the body look thinner; a type of flattering effect

  • enhancing

    broader; can apply to any quality being improved, not just appearance

反義詞
  • unflattering

    direct opposite; making someone look worse than usual

  • ugly

    stronger; generally unattractive rather than making an existing person look bad

文法句型

be + flattering + on [person/body part]

be + flattering + to [thing/feature]

用法筆記

Common with clothing, colours, lighting, and photographic angles. The subject is usually an inanimate thing (a dress, a colour, a mirror), not a person — you would not say 'a flattering friend' to mean a friend who improves your looks.

常見錯誤

❌That compliment is very flattering on you.
✅That dress is very flattering on you.
💡'flattering' about appearance applies to clothing/style, not to words of praise (use flattering sense 2 for compliments).
❌She is a very flattering person.
✅She looks very flattering in that dress.
💡'flattering' describes the thing that improves appearance, not the person wearing it.

2. expressing praise or admiration for someone in a way that makes that person feel

2.形容詞B1
釋義

expressing praise or admiration for someone in a way that makes that person feel good, appreciated, or respected — used for comments, reviews, invitations, or any gesture of recognition.

例句

Zola made several flattering remarks about Gabriela's presentation skills.

flattering + [noun]: remarks / comments / words

Faisal found it flattering to be asked to join the research team.

find + it + flattering + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • complimentary

    very close in meaning; slightly more formal and neutral

  • praising

    direct and clear but less common as a standalone adjective

  • appreciative

    focuses on gratitude and recognition of effort, not just admiration

反義詞
  • insulting

    strong opposite; saying things that hurt rather than please

  • critical

    milder opposite; pointing out faults rather than giving praise

文法句型

find + it + flattering + to-infinitive

flattering + [noun: remark/comment/words]

用法筆記

Often appears in the pattern 'find it flattering that/to…' where the speaker judges the praise as genuine or meaningful. Not used for obvious false praise — if someone is insincere, the word 'flattering' without a negative marker sounds too positive. Compare with 'flattery' (noun), which often carries a negative tone of insincerity.

常見錯誤

❌It was flattering weather.
✅It was flattering weather for a picnic.
💡'flattering' does not describe weather. Use it for comments, gestures, or recognition, not for general pleasant conditions.
❌She told me I looked thin, which was very flattering.
✅She told me I looked great, which was very flattering.
💡'thin' can be a sensitive comment; 'flattering' is best for clearly positive remarks.