Basic Details
Word: Flatterer
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person who praises someone excessively, often for their own benefit.
Synonyms: Sycophant, adulator, fawner
Antonyms: Critic, detractor
Idioms and Phrases
- Flatter to deceive: To praise someone insincerely in order to trick them. Example: "He complimented her work, but it was just to flatter to deceive and gain a promotion."
- Butter someone up: To be overly nice to someone to gain their favour. Example: "She decided to butter up her teacher by bringing cookies before the exam."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The flatterer always told the manager that every idea was brilliant, hoping to win favour and easy assignments.
Example 2: It is important to recognise a flatterer, as they may not be genuine in their compliments.
Example 3: At the party, the woman was a flatterer, going around complimenting everyones outfits just to be liked.
Fun Fact
The term "flatterer" comes from the Old French word "flater," which means to "caress" or "to smooth down." This reflects the idea of softening someone's perception through sweet words.
Famous Quote
"It is not the way of a flatterer to speak the truth." - Plato
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "flatterer" mean?
a) Someone who exercises frequently
b) A person who praises excessively
c) A kind of food
d) A type of animal
Answer: b) A person who praises excessively
2. Which of these is a synonym of "flatterer"?
a) Critic
b) Sycophant
c) Teacher
d) Leader
Answer: b) Sycophant
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "flatterer"?
a) Kisser
b) Adulator
c) Critic
d) Friend
Answer: c) Critic
4. Which sentence uses "flatterer" correctly?
a) The flatterer prepared breakfast for her family.
b) The flatterer ran a marathon last weekend.
c) The flatterer won an award for honesty.
d) The flatterer complimented the singer to gain a backstage pass.
Answer: d) The flatterer complimented the singer to gain a backstage pass.
5. Which idiom relates to the act of flattering?
a) Flatter to deceive
b) As easy as pie
c) A stone's throw away
d) Barking up the wrong tree
Answer: a) Flatter to deceive
