Sometimes people compliment each other . Naturally, the question then arises: “What is “ flattering ”? Is it to tell the truth or to emphasize the real dignity of a person? ” We will figure it out in detail, as always, there will be examples and synonyms.
Value
The dictionary is not rich and offers only two meanings of the word to choose from:
- Saying someone nice to get things done. That is, a person has a vested interest in this matter.
- Bring yourself or someone pleasure and joy.
Obviously, in the first case, when a person wants to compliment an interlocutor with compliments, writing down the opponent’s merits is a trick of unfair play. And the answer to the question of what “flatters” is the following: it means deceiving a person, blowing dust in his eyes so that he does what is required.
The second meaning of the word, according to the dictionary, is more harmless, even good. Remember the expression "comfort oneself with hopes", that is, hope for something almost impossible in reality. And there is still the option of “flattering oneself with hopes”, but it is used less often than the first. You can compliment yourself, or you can do something else, without pursuing any special purpose.
Synonyms
After the meaning was left behind, it was the turn of replacement words. Consider them:
- deceive;
- to please;
- servile;
- embellish reality;
- prevaricate;
- misrepresent facts;
- to speak pleasantly;
- support;
- provide psychological support.
A person who is used to saying that flattery is bad will not understand how positive definitions got into synonyms. Calm, only calm. As we have already found out, flattery may not carry a negative charge.
Suppose a boss praises an employee for doing a job well. The leader, of course, flatters his subordinate, for he does it brilliantly, but the boss shows his emotional sensitivity and wants to support his employee so that he does not lose courage. Now you can think about what “flatters”. In the meantime, we will move on to examples.
Fable I.A. Krylova and Jim Carrey
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is the Crow and the Fox fable. The fox perfectly possessed the technique of seduction. But in fairness it must be said that Crow is an easy object for manipulation. In general, the raven is a smart bird, but not in a fable, because in the works of Krylov the characters are at the service of design and morality, so reality is distorted in accordance with the tasks. We all know the plot, so there is no point in retelling it. By the way, it is because of the fable about flattery that only bad reputation goes.
Another example of a flatterer is the character of the movie Liar, Liar, Flatcher Reed. Remember how he behaved before the truth freed him? He lied all the time, sneered in, and all this in order to make a career. Of course, then with the development of events he was reborn. And how many more people like Flatcher, who did not understand anything and are bending the same line? Lots of. By supporting your memory with a visual example of a famous Hollywood movie, it’s easier to understand what “flatters”, isn't it?
"Flattery" is a relative concept
And finally, a little philosophy for those who, as a rule, take offense at flattery, considering it something low and unworthy.
In life, people meet different people. And some of them quite sincerely compliment him. A sense of flattery arises when praise is given to a quality that is self-evident to the host. For example, an intellectual is spoken with kind words and admired for his readiness. He, in turn, believes that this is flattery, because for him the mind is a thing of course.
But the rule does not always work. A beautiful woman does not get tired of compliments in her address and can not always recognize flattery. Therefore, much depends on individual characteristics.
The main thing is to have an idea of what the word “flatters” means, and to understand that people are not always driven by selfish goals, sometimes a person simply likes a person, and the first is in a hurry to express it as he can. But because of Krylov’s fable, we are used to treating good with great suspicion, but in vain. Pleasant words do not cost anything, but the benefit of the “whole carriage” (M. A. Bulgakov). In general, you need to have time to admire people, for life is fleeting, and, of course, do not forget about the Russian language. For example, the question of what “flatters” means. We think the reader will remember the correct answer.