Flatter vs Obsequious - What's the difference?
flatter | obsequious |
A type of set tool used by blacksmiths.
A flat-faced fulling hammer.
A drawplate with a narrow, rectangular orifice, for drawing flat strips such as watch springs.
Someone who flattens, purposely or accidently. Also flattener.
(British, NZ, slang) Someone who lives in a rented flat.
(flat)
to compliment someone, often insincerely and sometimes to win favour
* Bible, Proverbs xxix. 5
* Prescott
to enhance someone's vanity by praising them
to portray something to advantage.
to convey notions of the facts that are believed to be favorable to the hearer without certainty of the truthfulness of the notions conveyed.
(archaic) Obedient, compliant with someone else's orders or wishes.
Excessively eager and attentive to please or to obey all instructions; fawning, subservient, servile.
* 1927 , (Thornton Wilder), (The Bridge of San Luis Rey) , p. 20
(obsolete) Of or pertaining to obsequies, funereal.
*
*
As adjectives the difference between flatter and obsequious
is that flatter is comparative of flat while obsequious is obedient, compliant with someone else's orders or wishes.As a noun flatter
is a type of set tool used by blacksmiths.As a verb flatter
is to compliment someone, often insincerely and sometimes to win favour.flatter
English
Etymology 1
Noun
(wikipedia flatter) (en noun)Adjective
(head)Etymology 2
From (etyl) flatteren, . More at (l).Verb
(en-verb) (transitive'' and ''intransitive )- A man that flattereth his neighbour, spreadeth a net for his feet.
- Others he flattered by asking their advice.
- Her portrait flatters her.
obsequious
English
Adjective
(en adjective)- Translation falls especially short of this conceit which carries the whole flamboyance of the Spanish language. It was intended as an obsequious flattery of the Condesa, and was untrue.
- … the survivor bound
In filial obligation for some term
To do obsequious sorrow…
- Whilst I awhile obsequiously lament
Th’ untimely fall of virtuous Lancaster.