FLATTERING

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does flattering mean? 

• FLATTERING (adjective)
  The adjective FLATTERING has 1 sense:

1. showing or representing to advantage

  Familiarity information: FLATTERING used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FLATTERING (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Showing or representing to advantage

Context example:

a flattering color

Similar:

adulatory (obsequiously complimentary)

becoming (displaying or setting off to best advantage)

ingratiating; ingratiatory; insinuating (calculated to please or gain favor)

Antonym:

unflattering (showing or representing unfavorably)

 Context examples 

If you need to shop for new wardrobe items, this full moon of February 8, plus five days, could be an ideal time to find flattering selections.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

You judge very properly, said Mr. Bennet, and it is happy for you that you possess the talent of flattering with delicacy.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

Every flattering scheme of being of consequence to her soon fell to the ground.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

To receive so flattering an invitation!

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

Could anything be so flattering as Mrs. Ferrars's way of treating me yesterday?

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

I thank you, my friend, for your all too-flattering estimate, but yet I fear that I am but a little way on the road I would travel.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

He replied in a most admirable manner, exceedingly flattering to my feelings, and undertook to obtain the consent of Mrs. Crewler to this arrangement.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

It was altogether very extraordinary; flattering, but painful.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

“I remember the review,” she went on hastily, becoming aware of the awkwardness of her remark; “that too, too flattering review.”

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

It was not very flattering to Miss Campbell; but she really did not seem to feel it.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)