Lying is what allows people not to start a war of all against all. Imagine if we began to tell the truth to everyone? Our relations would have left ruins. Therefore, do not immediately tune in against some embellishment of reality. Why all this? To the fact that in the zone of special attention the meaning of the word “flatter”, we will also analyze its synonyms.
Meaning
Of course, most of us are used to the fact that flattery is bad. But the dictionary says that in our expectations we are not quite right. Because a verb formed from a noun has at least two meanings:
- Courting a person, giving him false compliments, pursuing personal goals. Rich or influential people know what it is. You can still recall the unforgettable fable of Ivan Andreevich Krylov "Crow and Fox", and everything will fall into place.
- Make sincere compliments, trying to support the person. To amuse any feeling. “The patch the man was offered in this edition flattered his vanity.”
As we see, the meaning of the word “flatter” cannot be unequivocally recognized as neither good nor bad. It all depends on the purpose of the utterance and the meaning the speaker puts in praise. What does the word “flatter” mean, we have examined, but with what can it be replaced?
Synonyms
After the meaning has surrendered to us practically without a fight, it is worth paying your attention to replacement words and analog phrases. Fortunately, there is no shortage of them:
- obey;
- servile;
- embellish reality;
- lie;
- to lie;
- prevaricate;
- distort the actual state of affairs;
- support;
- to praise;
- cheer.
Many people think that flattering words addressed to them are not pronounced from a pure heart. But often we need the support of loved ones, friends, colleagues. Is the word flattering positive? Of course. Imagine a friend showing something, like a picture. It is written poorly, in a word, daub. Would a true comrade tell the truth in that case? In no case, except that he intended to get rid of the unrecognized genius. True, Van Gogh also began to praise not immediately. A cordial, kind person will praise a creative undertaking, suddenly something will come out of it. Therefore, it is quite possible to flatter for the good, the main thing is not to get carried away.
The fine line between “good” and “bad” flattery
Yes, flattery can be both an engine of progress and a factor in regressing a person. For example, a child learns to walk, and you only praise him for trying, although at first he falls at every turn. It is the same with friends and relatives who do something not very well, but everyone glows from the inside, since their business brings them sincere pleasure. In this case, of course, you do not need to beat hands, if there is no harm to others from this. What does the word “flatter” mean in this case? It comes down to the support, even of the most useless, but pleasant enterprises of relatives.
And it’s completely different to act when a person tries to “saddle a dead horse”, as they say about a hopeless case. For example, a guy does not have the ability to paint, but he spends a lot of money on a variety of courses, master classes. But no result. In short, painting was his fix idea. Exhausting friends and acquaintances, taking large amounts for “sales of future masterpieces” and, of course, does not give. This kind of mood is better not to support. However, if someone cautiously hints to him that he has no talent, that he in vain entertains himself with hopes, then tomorrow's Shishkin or Magritte may be offended by the well-wisher.
Therefore, talk about such things carefully and not from evil. But this must be done, otherwise further indulgence of whims can be fatal not only for capital, but also for the very life of a bearer of mythical talent. But let's not talk about sad things. We examined the meaning of the word “flatter” in full detail and provided the study with detailed illustrations.