| 释义 |
flat·ter
I. \ˈflad.ə(r), -atə-\ verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
Etymology: Middle English flateren, irregular from Old French flater to lick, flatter, from (assumed) Old Frankish flat, adjective, flat; akin to Old High German flaz flat — more at flat
transitive verb
1. : to praise excessively or fulsomely especially from motives of self-interest : gratify or appeal to the self-love or vanity of usually by artful and interested commendation or attentions
2.
a. archaic : to make more pleasant or less oppressive : beguile, soothe
b. : to encourage (as a person or his hopes) especially by false or specious representations
< flattered the old man by asking him to climb the mountain >
c. : to please or gratify (as oneself) usually with the assurance that something (as a view or procedure) is right or acceptable
< flatter myself that only the most caviling critics can take exception to my interpretation >
< flattered himself that the young people wanted his company for its own sake, not the luxuries he provided >
also : to congratulate (oneself) in respect to something
< suppose I may flatter myself that I am not a fool >
d. : gratify
< balmy breezes flattered his skin >
3.
a. : to portray too favorably
< that picture flatters him >
b. : to display or set off to advantage : make the most of the good points of
< a draped neckline designed to flatter the stylish stout >
< soft rosy light that flatters tired skins >
4. obsolete : to touch caressingly : fondle
intransitive verb
1. obsolete, of an animal : to show fondness (as by fawning or cries)
2. : to use flattery
II. intransitive verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
Etymology: Middle English flateren, alteration of floteren to float, flutter — more at flutter
obsolete : flutter, float
III.
comparative of flat I
IV. \ˈflad.ə(r), -atə-\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: flat (IV) + -er
: one that flattens: as
a. : a drawplate with a narrow rectangular orifice for drawing flat strips (as watch springs)
b. : a flat-faced swage used in smithing |