flatter

/ˈflætər/
adjective
  1. Comparative form of flat: more flat or level.
    • We need a flatter surface to set up the pool table.
    • The land becomes flatter as you approach the coast.
    • The second pancake came out flatter than the first one.
verb
  1. To praise someone excessively or insincerely, often to gain favor or approval.
    • Politicians often flatter voters during election season with empty promises.
    • He tried to flatter his boss by complimenting her new haircut every day.
    • She didn't mean what she said; she was just flattering him to get a better grade.
  2. To show or represent someone or something in a way that makes them look better than they really are.
    • That dress really flatters your figure and makes you look taller.
    • The photograph flatters the old building, hiding its peeling paint and cracks.
    • The soft lighting in the restaurant flatters everyone's complexion.
  3. To please or gratify someone's vanity or self-esteem.
    • I was flattered that she remembered my birthday after all these years.
    • She felt flattered by the invitation to speak at the conference.
    • It flatters him to think that his opinion matters so much to the team.