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Flatter vs Sycophantic - What's the difference?

flatter | sycophantic |

As adjectives the difference between flatter and sycophantic

is that flatter is (flat) while sycophantic is obsequious, flattering, toadying.

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)
  • 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.
  • Adjective

    (head)
  • (flat)
  • Etymology 2

    From (etyl) flatteren, . More at (l).

    Verb

    (en-verb) (transitive'' and ''intransitive )
  • to compliment someone, often insincerely and sometimes to win favour
  • * Bible, Proverbs xxix. 5
  • A man that flattereth his neighbour, spreadeth a net for his feet.
  • * Prescott
  • Others he flattered by asking their advice.
  • to enhance someone's vanity by praising them
  • to portray something to advantage.
  • Her portrait flatters her.
  • to convey notions of the facts that are believed to be favorable to the hearer without certainty of the truthfulness of the notions conveyed.
  • sycophantic

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Obsequious, flattering, toadying.