flattering

adjective

flat·​ter·​ing ˈfla-tər-iŋ 

1

: marked by flattery: such as

a

: showing or expressing gratifying respect or admiration

a flattering comparison

His colleagues might have disowned him, but they didn't receive flattering invitations to speak all over the country and to write for The New York Times.

—Richard Dawkins

b

: excessively or insincerely complimentary

… a steady stream of ham actors, all of whom were welcomed with flattering speeches.

—H. L. Mencken

2

: helping to enhance attractiveness

a necktie in a flattering color

… dictating the most flattering camera angles.

—David Margolick

The gowns were indeed smashing: smart, sexy, eye-catching, and very, very flattering.

—The New Yorker

flatteringly adverb

The so-called Generation X has been described by some—not flatteringly—as a scavenger culture that gathers music, art and fashions from recent past generations rather than creating its own.

—Steve Hochman

Her upper body is all besuited business—the black jacket, the white blouse reflecting flatteringly on the face, the understated silver choker and earrings, the burnished brown bob.

—Rebecca Mead

Examples of flattering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Denim critics will even find this pair comfortable; it's got a relaxed fit that offers flattering structure, and the jeans adapt to your body over time and get comfier with each wear. —Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2024

The mid-rise baggy jeans are quite roomy in the leg, which is very on-trend, but have a flattering fit around the waist to give you some shape. —Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024

Earlier on in his career, the sportswear designer created a loyal following for the flattering fit of his silhouettes especially pants. —Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 31 Oct. 2024

Fast-forward more than a decade later and Stewart is still trying to change the focus to more flattering aspects of her life. —Chloe Berger, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flattering

• self-flattering