Praising someone insincerely to please them, or making someone or something look attractive.
From Middle French 'flatir,' of uncertain origin, possibly imitative or from Old Norse. It entered English in the 13th century with the sense of 'deceive' or 'cajole.'
Interestingly, 'flattering' has two opposite meanings: you can give someone flattering compliments (insincere praise) or wear a flattering outfit (genuinely making you look good)—same word, totally different intentions!
Gendered expectation that women's primary value lies in physical appearance; 'flattering' often applied asymmetrically to women's clothing/presentation as measure of social competence.
Use for all genders equally, or pivot to character/capability focus: 'well-suited' or 'effective' instead of appearance-coded language.
["becoming","well-suited","effective","compelling"]
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