Verb – Flatter
(+ object)
1 : to praise (someone) in a way that is not sincere
He flattered her with comments about her youthful appearance.
His comments flattered her.
You’re just flattering me.
2 : to cause (someone) to feel pleased by showing respect, affection, or admiration
It flattered her to be asked to sing at their wedding.
— usually used as (be) flattered
She was flattered when they asked her to sing.
I’m flattered that he asked me out, but he isn’t my type.
3 a : to show or describe (someone or something) in a way that is very favorable or too favorable
That portrait flatters him. (=that portrait makes him look better than he really does)
b : to cause (someone or something) to look as attractive as possible
That dress really flatters your figure.
flatter yourself
to believe something about yourself that makes you feel pleased or proud
Don’t flatter yourself—you don’t sing any better than we do.
I flatter myself on my skill in dancing. = I flatter myself that I’m a good dancer.