flattering

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
flatter/ˈflatə(r)/

▶verb

• 1 lavish compliments on, especially in order to further one's own interests.

  ■ (flatter oneself) believe something favourable about oneself, typically without foundation.

• 2 cause to feel honoured and pleased.

• 3 (of clothing or a colour) enhance the appearance of.

  ■ give an unrealistically favourable impression of.

• 4 archaic please (the ear or eye).

– phrases
flatter to deceive appear promising but ultimately disappoint.

– derivatives
flatterer noun,
flattering adjective,
flatteringly adverb.

– origin ME (as flattery): from OFr. flaterie, from flater ‘stroke, flatter’, prob. of Gmc origin and rel. to flat1.