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B1 Adjective #46 más común 7 min de lectura

flattered

Top 46

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos flattered en 30 segundos

Explicación flattered in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'flattered' might be a bit difficult, but you can think of it as a special kind of 'happy'. You feel flattered when someone says, 'You are very good at English!' or 'I like your shirt!' It is the happy feeling you get when someone gives you a compliment. You can say, 'I am happy because you like my work,' or you can start to use 'I am flattered.' It is about feeling good because another person thinks you are special or did a good job. Imagine someone gives you a gold star; that feeling is being flattered.

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For A2 learners, 'flattered' is an adjective used to describe your feelings after a compliment. It is more specific than 'happy'. You use it when someone notices your skills or your appearance. For example, if a teacher says your homework is the best in the class, you feel flattered. You often use it with 'by'. Example: 'I was flattered by his words.' It is a polite way to show you are thankful for a compliment. It is common in social situations when you want to be nice to someone who praised you.

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At the B1 level, you should understand that 'flattered' describes a feeling of being honored or pleased by attention. It is often used to respond to compliments or invitations. You should know the difference between 'flattered' (how you feel) and 'flattering' (something that makes you look good). B1 learners can use it in professional and social settings. For example, 'I'm flattered that you asked for my advice.' It shows a level of social grace and an ability to handle praise with humility. It is a key word for intermediate conversation.

B2 learners should recognize the nuances of 'flattered'. It can sometimes imply a bit of vanity, or it can be a very formal way of expressing gratitude. You should be comfortable using it with various prepositions and in different sentence structures, such as 'flattered to be...' or 'flattered that...'. You also understand that it can be used to politely decline an offer: 'I'm flattered by the invitation, but I have a prior engagement.' At this level, you can distinguish between being sincerely flattered and the social convention of appearing flattered to be polite.

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At the C1 level, 'flattered' is used with precision to describe psychological states and social dynamics. You might use it to discuss how a character in a book is easily manipulated because they are 'easily flattered'. You understand the etymological roots and how the word relates to 'flattery' (which can have a negative, insincere connotation). You can use it in academic writing to describe a subject's reaction to recognition. You are also aware of its use in idiomatic expressions and can use adverbs like 'unduly', 'sincerely', or 'justifiably' to modify it.

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For C2 speakers, 'flattered' is a tool for subtle social signaling. You understand when someone says 'I'm flattered' as a genuine expression of ego-boost versus when it is used as a 'softener' for a rejection or a way to maintain status. You can analyze the power dynamics in a conversation where one person is being flattered by another. You might use the word in complex philosophical or psychological discussions about the nature of the self and external validation. You have a complete grasp of its historical development and its place among synonyms like 'gratified', 'lionized', or 'venerated'.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

flattered en 30 segundos

Flattered is an adjective that describes feeling pleased and honored because someone has praised you or shown you special attention or respect.
It is a social emotion that occurs when your self-worth is validated by others, often used to respond gracefully to compliments or awards.
The word is commonly used with prepositions like 'by' (flattered by praise) or 'to' (flattered to be here) in both formal and informal settings.
It differs from 'flattering,' which describes something that makes you look better, while 'flattered' describes how you feel inside after being praised.

The word flattered is an adjective used to describe a specific type of happiness. It is the feeling you get when someone says something nice about you, recognizes your hard work, or gives you an opportunity that shows they respect you. Unlike general happiness, being flattered is always connected to the actions or opinions of another person. It is a social emotion that reinforces our self-worth through the eyes of others. People use this word to show humility while acknowledging a compliment. For example, if a famous artist asks for your opinion on their work, you would feel flattered because their request implies that they value your taste. It is a bridge between pride and gratitude.

Social Context: Used frequently in professional networking, dating, and formal social gatherings to acknowledge praise gracefully.
Emotional Nuance: It suggests a mix of surprise and pleasure, often implying that the person didn't necessarily expect such high praise.

I was deeply flattered when the CEO remembered my name during the annual gala.

In everyday conversation, saying "I'm flattered" is a polite way to respond to a compliment that might otherwise feel awkward to accept. It shifts the focus from your own ego to the kindness of the person giving the compliment. It is also used in romantic contexts; if someone asks you on a date and you aren't interested, saying "I'm flattered, but..." is a gentle way to decline while still being kind. This word is essential for navigating social hierarchies where showing too much pride might be seen as arrogant, but showing no reaction might be seen as ungrateful.

He felt flattered by the suggestion that he should run for class president.

Professional Usage: Commonly used in emails: "I am flattered by your offer, but I have decided to stay with my current firm."

Using flattered correctly requires understanding its common prepositions. Most often, we are flattered by something or to do something. For instance, "I was flattered by her comments" or "I was flattered to be invited." It is almost always used with the verb 'to be' or 'to feel'. You cannot 'flattered' someone; that would be the verb 'flatter'. As an adjective, it describes your internal state. It can also be modified by adverbs like 'deeply', 'immensely', 'sincerely', or 'quite' to show the intensity of the feeling.

Structure: Subject + be/feel + flattered + by + [Noun]: "The author was flattered by the positive reviews of his debut novel."
Structure: Subject + be/feel + flattered + to + [Verb]: "We are flattered to have such a distinguished guest in our home tonight."

Don't be too flattered; he says that to everyone he meets.

In more complex sentences, 'flattered' can appear as a participial phrase. "Flattered by the attention, the young actor began to lose his focus on the craft." Here, the word sets the scene for the actor's subsequent actions. It is also important to note the difference between 'flattered' and 'flattering'. If a dress is 'flattering', it makes you look good. If you are 'flattered', you feel good because of a compliment. Confusing these two is a common mistake for learners. Always ask: Is the person feeling the emotion (flattered) or is the object causing the good look (flattering)?

I am flattered that you would even consider me for the position.

You will encounter flattered in various high-stakes social and professional environments. In award ceremonies, like the Oscars or the Grammys, winners often start their speeches by saying, "I am so incredibly flattered and honored to receive this award." It is the standard language of public gratitude. In the business world, it appears during negotiations or recruitment. When a headhunter calls a high-level executive, the executive might respond, "I'm flattered by the interest, but I'm not looking to move right now." This maintains a positive relationship without committing to anything.

Pop Culture: In movies, a character might say "I'm flattered" when someone flirts with them, often followed by a 'but' if they are rejecting the advance.
Literature: Classic novels often use 'flattered' to describe a character's vanity or their reaction to social climbing attempts.

"You're asking me to lead the project? I'm flattered, truly."

Social media is another place where this word thrives. When a creator gets a shout-out from a larger account, they might post, "So flattered to be featured by @BigAccount today!" It shows that they are humble enough to be surprised by the attention. In academic settings, a professor might be flattered when a student cites their work or asks for their mentorship. It is a word that signals a recognition of value. It is rarely used in very casual, slang-heavy environments, as it carries a slight tone of formality and politeness that doesn't always fit with 'street' talk.

The most frequent mistake is confusing the adjective flattered with the adjective flattering. As mentioned before, 'flattered' is how you feel (the receiver of praise), while 'flattering' is a quality of something else (the giver of praise or a physical object). For example, saying "I am very flattering" means you are someone who gives a lot of compliments, which is likely not what you mean if you just received a compliment yourself. You should say "I am very flattered."

Mistake: Flattered vs. Proud: Being 'proud' is about your own achievements. Being 'flattered' is about someone else's opinion of you. Don't say you are flattered by your own hard work.
Mistake: Overusing it for small things: If someone says "nice shoes," saying "I'm flattered" might sound too dramatic. Save it for more significant compliments or honors.

Incorrect: "That dress is very flattered on you."
Correct: "That dress is very flattering on you."

Another mistake is using 'flattered' when you actually mean 'insulted' in a sarcastic way. While sarcasm exists, 'flattered' is almost always used sincerely or as a polite rejection. Using it incorrectly can lead to social confusion. Additionally, remember that 'flattered' is an adjective, not a verb. You cannot say "He flattered me" to mean "I felt flattered." While "He flattered me" is a correct English sentence, it describes his action (he gave me compliments, perhaps insincerely), not your feeling.

If you want to vary your vocabulary, there are several words similar to flattered, each with a slightly different shade of meaning. Honored is a stronger version, usually used for formal awards or significant responsibilities. Gratified suggests a sense of satisfaction that your efforts have been recognized. Tickled pink is an informal, British-origin idiom that means you are very pleased and amused by something.

Flattered vs. Honored: 'Flattered' is personal and emotional; 'Honored' is formal and status-based. You are flattered by a crush; you are honored by the Queen.
Flattered vs. Complimented: 'Complimented' is what happened to you; 'Flattered' is how you felt because of it.
Flattered vs. Charmed: 'Charmed' implies that the other person's personality has won you over, while 'flattered' focuses on the praise they gave you.

While I am flattered by the offer, I feel 'honored' would be too strong a word for such a small gesture.

Other alternatives include pleased, delighted, and touched. 'Touched' is particularly useful when the compliment or gesture is emotional or personal, suggesting that it reached your heart. 'Delighted' is more about general high spirits. When choosing an alternative, consider the level of formality and the depth of the emotion you want to convey. 'Flattered' remains the best choice for the specific feeling of being elevated by someone else's high opinion.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word is likely imitative of the sound of something flat hitting a surface, or the motion of a flat hand stroking something. It shares a root with the word 'flat'.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈflæt.əd/

US /ˈflæt̬.ɚd/

FLAT-tered

Rima con

Battered Shattered Scattered Clattered Tattered Splattered Mattered Pattered

Errores comunes

Pronouncing it as 'flay-tered' (incorrect long A).
Stressing the second syllable: 'flat-TERED'.
Missing the 'ed' sound at the end.
Confusing it with 'fluttered' (which means moving wings quickly).
Pronouncing the 't' too harshly in American English.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Common in literature and news, easy to recognize.

Escritura 4/5

Requires knowledge of prepositions like 'by' and 'to'.

Expresión oral 3/5

A very useful social tool for intermediate speakers.

Escucha 2/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to hear in context.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

Happy Pleased Compliment Praise Feel

Aprende después

Honored Gratified Humble Vanity Sincere

Avanzado

Sycophancy Lionize Adulation Laudatory Venerate

Gramática que debes saber

Participial Adjectives

I am flattered (feeling) vs. The dress is flattering (causing the feeling).

Passive Voice with 'By'

He was flattered by the crowd's reaction.

Infinitive of Purpose/Result

I am flattered to be here tonight.

Noun Clauses with 'That'

She was flattered that he remembered her name.

Adverbial Modification

They were immensely flattered by the news.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

I am flattered that you like my drawing.

Me siento halagado de que te guste mi dibujo.

Subject + be + flattered + that-clause

She was flattered by the nice comment.

Ella se sintió halagada por el comentario amable.

Passive structure with 'by'

Are you flattered?

¿Te sientes halagado?

Question form of 'to be'

He is flattered when people smile at him.

Él se siente halagado cuando la gente le sonríe.

Present simple with 'when' clause

I feel flattered today.

Me siento halagado hoy.

Using 'feel' instead of 'be'

They were flattered by the gift.

Ellos se sintieron halagados por el regalo.

Plural subject

Don't be flattered.

No te sientas halagado.

Imperative negative

I am so flattered!

¡Estoy tan halagado!

Exclamatory sentence

I was flattered to receive your letter.

Me sentí halagado de recibir tu carta.

Flattered + to-infinitive

She felt flattered by his invitation to the party.

Ella se sintió halagada por su invitación a la fiesta.

Past simple of 'feel'

We are flattered that you chose our hotel.

Nos sentimos halagados de que haya elegido nuestro hotel.

Formal use in business

He was flattered when the teacher praised his work.

Él se sintió halagado cuando el profesor elogió su trabajo.

Time clause with 'when'

You should be flattered by the offer.

Deberías sentirte halagado por la oferta.

Modal verb 'should'

I am not flattered by your jokes.

No me siento halagado por tus bromas.

Negative statement

Was she flattered by the flowers?

¿Se sintió halagada por las flores?

Past tense question

I am truly flattered by your kindness.

Estoy verdaderamente halagado por tu amabilidad.

Adverb 'truly' modifying 'flattered'

I'm flattered that you'd think of me for such an important task.

Me halaga que pienses en mí para una tarea tan importante.

Conditional 'would' in the that-clause

He was deeply flattered by the standing ovation.

Se sintió profundamente halagado por la ovación de pie.

Adverb 'deeply' for emphasis

She was flattered to be asked to join the committee.

Se sintió halagada de que le pidieran unirse al comité.

Passive infinitive 'to be asked'

I'm flattered, but I really can't accept this expensive gift.

Me siento halagado, pero realmente no puedo aceptar este regalo tan caro.

Using 'flattered' to soften a refusal

Most people are flattered when someone asks for their expert opinion.

La mayoría de la gente se siente halagada cuando alguien pide su opinión experta.

General statement using 'most people'

She was quite flattered by the attention she received at the wedding.

Estaba bastante halagada por la atención que recibió en la boda.

Adverb 'quite' modifying the adjective

I would be flattered if you came to my exhibition.

Me sentiría halagado si vinieras a mi exposición.

Second conditional structure

He seemed flattered by the suggestion that he was a natural leader.

Parecía halagado por la sugerencia de que era un líder natural.

Linking verb 'seemed'

I am immensely flattered to have been considered for the role of CEO.

Me siento inmensamente halagado de haber sido considerado para el puesto de CEO.

Perfect passive infinitive 'to have been considered'

While flattered by the praise, she remained focused on the work ahead.

Aunque halagada por los elogios, permaneció concentrada en el trabajo que tenía por delante.

Participial phrase at the beginning of the sentence

It's easy to be flattered by someone who only wants something from you.

Es fácil dejarse halagar por alguien que solo quiere algo de ti.

Infinitive phrase as subject complement

He was flattered that his research was cited in the national journal.

Se sintió halagado de que su investigación fuera citada en la revista nacional.

Passive voice in the that-clause

I'm flattered by your interest, but my schedule is currently full.

Me halaga su interés, pero mi agenda está llena actualmente.

Professional polite rejection

She was more flattered by the small gesture than the expensive trophy.

Se sintió más halagada por el pequeño gesto que por el trofeo caro.

Comparative structure 'more... than'

The team was flattered to be invited to the international conference.

El equipo se sintió halagado de ser invitado a la conferencia internacional.

Passive infinitive

Anyone would be flattered to receive such a glowing recommendation.

Cualquiera se sentiría halagado de recibir una recomendación tan entusiasta.

Modal 'would' expressing a general truth

One cannot help but feel flattered when a mentor acknowledges one's progress.

Uno no puede evitar sentirse halagado cuando un mentor reconoce su progreso.

Formal 'one' as subject and 'cannot help but' structure

She was flattered, albeit a little suspicious, of the sudden influx of compliments.

Se sentía halagada, aunque un poco sospechosa, por la repentina afluencia de cumplidos.

Use of 'albeit' to introduce a contrast

To be flattered by a rival is often more satisfying than praise from a friend.

Ser halagado por un rival suele ser más satisfactorio que el elogio de un amigo.

Infinitive phrase as the subject

He was flattered to the point of embarrassment by the public tribute.

Se sintió halagado hasta el punto de la vergüenza por el tributo público.

Prepositional phrase 'to the point of'

The artist was flattered that her work had resonated so deeply with the public.

La artista se sintió halagada de que su obra hubiera resonado tan profundamente en el público.

Past perfect in the that-clause

I'm sincerely flattered by the nomination, regardless of the final outcome.

Me siento sinceramente halagado por la nominación, independientemente del resultado final.

Use of 'regardless of' for concession

Being flattered is a universal human experience, yet it remains deeply personal.

Sentirse halagado es una experiencia humana universal, pero sigue siendo profundamente personal.

Gerund 'Being flattered' as the subject

He was unduly flattered by the attention, failing to see the ulterior motives.

Se sintió indebidamente halagado por la atención, sin ver los motivos ocultos.

Adverb 'unduly' and a present participle clause

The diplomat was flattered by the overture, though he maintained his stoic facade.

El diplomático se sintió halagado por la propuesta, aunque mantuvo su fachada estoica.

Nuanced vocabulary like 'overture' and 'stoic facade'

It is a rare individual who is not flattered by the prospect of immortality through art.

Es un individuo raro el que no se siente halagado por la perspectiva de la inmortalidad a través del arte.

Complex relative clause structure

She was flattered to be the catalyst for such a profound cultural shift.

Se sintió halagada de ser el catalizador de un cambio cultural tan profundo.

Metaphorical use of 'catalyst'

His ego was such that he was flattered by even the most transparent sycophancy.

Su ego era tal que se sentía halagado incluso por la adulación más transparente.

Use of 'such that' and advanced vocabulary 'sycophancy'

I am profoundly flattered that you would entrust me with such a delicate matter.

Me siento profundamente halagado de que me confíe un asunto tan delicado.

Subjunctive-like use of 'would' in a formal context

The protagonist was flattered by the attention, a vulnerability his enemies exploited.

El protagonista se sintió halagado por la atención, una vulnerabilidad que sus enemigos explotaron.

Appositive phrase 'a vulnerability...'

To what extent should one be flattered by praise from those one does not respect?

¿Hasta qué punto debería uno sentirse halagado por los elogios de aquellos a quienes no respeta?

Interrogative with 'To what extent'

She felt flattered by the comparison, though she knew it was hyperbolic.

Se sintió halagada por la comparación, aunque sabía que era hiperbólica.

Contrast with 'though' and advanced vocabulary 'hyperbolic'

Colocaciones comunes

Deeply flattered

Sincerly flattered

Flattered by the attention

Flattered to be asked

Easily flattered

Flattered that

Immensely flattered

Quite flattered

Flattered beyond words

Secretly flattered

Frases Comunes

I'm flattered

— A standard response to a compliment or a nice offer.

I'm flattered, but I can't accept the job.

Don't be flattered

— A warning not to take praise too seriously or to heart.

Don't be flattered; he's just trying to get a discount.

Flattered into doing something

— When someone uses praise to manipulate you into a task.

She was flattered into organizing the entire charity event.

More than flattered

— Expressing a very high level of being honored.

I am more than flattered to be part of this team.

To feel flattered

— The internal experience of receiving praise.

It's natural to feel flattered when someone admires your work.

A flattered ego

— When someone's self-importance is boosted by praise.

His flattered ego made him think he was invincible.

Flattered by the comparison

— Feeling good because you were compared to someone great.

I'm flattered by the comparison to my favorite author.

To be justly flattered

— When the praise received is actually deserved.

He was justly flattered by the recognition of his long career.

Flattered to pieces

— An informal way to say extremely flattered.

She was flattered to pieces by the fan mail.

Flattered by the interest

— A polite way to acknowledge someone's curiosity or offer.

We are flattered by the interest in our new product.

Se confunde a menudo con

flattered vs Flattering

Flattering describes the thing that gives praise; flattered describes the person receiving it.

flattered vs Fluttered

Fluttered means to move wings or to feel nervous/excited in the stomach (butterflies).

flattered vs Flattened

Flattened means to be made flat or crushed, physically or emotionally (destroyed).

Modismos y expresiones

"Tickled pink"

— To be extremely pleased or flattered by something.

He was tickled pink when his grandson called him a hero.

Informal

"Butter someone up"

— To flatter someone in order to get a favor.

Stop trying to butter me up; I'm not lending you the car.

Informal

"Puff someone up"

— To make someone feel very proud or flattered, often too much.

The constant praise puffed him up with vanity.

Neutral

"Sing someone's praises"

— To compliment someone publicly and enthusiastically.

The manager has been singing your praises all morning.

Neutral

"A pat on the back"

— Praise or recognition for a job well done.

You deserve a pat on the back for finishing that project on time.

Informal

"In someone's good books"

— To be in a position where someone is pleased with you.

I'm in my boss's good books after that successful presentation.

Informal

"To turn someone's head"

— To make someone feel very flattered and perhaps a bit vain.

All that sudden fame really turned her head.

Neutral

"Music to one's ears"

— Information that is very pleasant or flattering to hear.

Hearing that I got the promotion was music to my ears.

Neutral

"To be the apple of someone's eye"

— To be someone's favorite person, often receiving much praise.

His youngest daughter is the apple of his eye.

Informal

"To blow smoke"

— To give insincere or exaggerated flattery.

I'm not just blowing smoke; you really are the best singer I've heard.

Slang/Informal

Fácil de confundir

flattered vs Proud

Both involve positive feelings about oneself.

Pride comes from internal achievement; being flattered comes from external praise.

I am proud of my degree, but I am flattered by your praise of it.

flattered vs Honored

Both involve feeling good about recognition.

Honored is more formal and usually involves a status change or major award.

I am flattered you liked my speech, and honored to receive this medal.

flattered vs Gratified

Both involve satisfaction from others' reactions.

Gratified focuses on the satisfaction of a goal; flattered focuses on the ego-boost.

He was gratified the project worked, and flattered by the CEO's praise.

flattered vs Smug

Both involve feeling good about oneself.

Smug is negative and implies arrogance; flattered is generally positive and humble.

He looked smug after winning, but she just looked flattered by the applause.

flattered vs Charmed

Both involve being pleased by a social interaction.

Charmed is about liking the other person; flattered is about the other person liking you.

I was charmed by his wit and flattered by his attention.

Patrones de oraciones

I am flattered by [Noun].

I am flattered by your help.

I am flattered to [Verb].

I am flattered to meet you.

She was flattered that [Clause].

She was flattered that you called.

[Adverb] flattered by [Noun].

He was deeply flattered by the award.

Flattered by [Noun], [Subject] [Verb].

Flattered by the praise, she smiled.

To be flattered is [Noun Phrase].

To be flattered is a pleasant experience.

One feels flattered when [Clause].

One feels flattered when recognized.

[Subject] was flattered, albeit [Adjective].

He was flattered, albeit surprised.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Flattery (The act of giving compliments, often insincere)

Flatterer (A person who flatters others)

Verbos

Flatter (To praise someone, sometimes insincerely)

Adjetivos

Flattered (Feeling pleased by praise)

Flattering (Making someone look or feel better)

Unflattering (Making someone look worse)

Relacionado

Flat

Flatteringly

Unflattered

Self-flattery

Flattery-free

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in both spoken and written English, especially in social and professional contexts.

Errores comunes

I am very flattering. → I am very flattered.
Flattering means you are giving compliments; flattered means you are receiving them.
I was flattered for the gift. → I was flattered by the gift.
The correct preposition to use with 'flattered' when referring to the cause is 'by'.
He flattered me that I was smart. → He flattered me by saying I was smart.
The verb 'flatter' usually takes an object and a prepositional phrase or a gerund.
I feel flattered to my new job. → I feel flattered to be offered the new job.
You need a verb (to be offered) or a noun (by the offer) after 'flattered'.
It was a flattered comment. → It was a flattering comment.
The comment is the thing giving the praise, so it must be 'flattering'.

Consejos

Use with 'by'

Always remember that you are flattered 'by' something. 'I was flattered by the invitation' is the most natural structure.

The 'But' Technique

Use 'I'm flattered, but...' to reject someone kindly. It shows you value their interest even if you can't say yes.

Avoid 'Very'

Instead of 'very flattered', try using 'deeply', 'immensely', or 'sincerely' for a more sophisticated sound.

Adjective vs Verb

Remember that 'I am flattered' is an adjective describing your state, while 'He flattered me' is a verb describing his action.

The 'T' Sound

In American English, the 'tt' in flattered sounds like a soft 'd'. Practice saying 'FLAD-erd' for a more natural accent.

Character Building

If a character in your story is 'easily flattered', it tells the reader they might be vain or easily manipulated.

Context Clues

If you hear 'flattered' in a speech, look for the person being praised. The word always links back to a compliment.

Humility

In English, being flattered is a way to be humble. It says 'I'm happy you think so' rather than 'I know I'm great'.

Rhyme Time

Rhyme it with 'shattered'. If your ego was shattered (broken), a compliment makes you flattered (fixed/happy).

Response Time

Don't wait too long to say you're flattered. It should be a quick, warm response to a compliment.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'FLAT' hand 'strok'ing your ego. When you are flattered, your ego feels smooth and happy like it's being patted by a friend.

Asociación visual

Imagine a person receiving a shiny gold trophy and blushing with a big smile. That blush and smile represent being 'flattered'.

Word Web

Compliment Praise Ego Honor Gratitude Pride Recognition Social

Desafío

Try to use the word 'flattered' in a sentence today when someone helps you or says something nice. Instead of just 'thanks', say 'I'm flattered!'

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Middle English word 'flateren', which came from the Old French word 'flater' meaning 'to stroke, caress, or flatter'.

Significado original: The original sense was literal: to stroke or caress someone, which evolved into the metaphorical sense of 'stroking' someone's ego with words.

Indo-European > Germanic (influence) > Old French > Middle English.

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to sound sarcastic. If said with a sneer, it can mean the opposite.

It is a 'safe' word. It acknowledges the other person's kindness while keeping you humble.

The song 'Flattered' by various indie artists. Commonly heard in Oscar acceptance speeches. Used in Jane Austen novels to describe social interactions.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Receiving a Compliment

I'm flattered!
That's so kind of you, I'm flattered.
I'm flattered you noticed.
You're making me feel flattered.

Professional Recognition

I'm flattered by the offer.
I'm flattered to be nominated.
I'm flattered that the board chose me.
We are flattered by your interest in our company.

Romantic Interest

I'm flattered, but I'm seeing someone.
I'm flattered you asked.
I'd be flattered to go out with you.
She was flattered by his attention.

Academic/Artistic Praise

I'm flattered you cited my work.
I'm flattered by the review.
The author was flattered by the fan's letter.
I'm flattered to be in such good company.

Social Invitations

I'm flattered to be invited.
We'd be flattered if you could join us.
I'm flattered you thought of me.
She was flattered to be included.

Inicios de conversación

"Have you ever felt really flattered by a compliment someone gave you at work?"

"What is the most flattered you have ever felt in your entire life?"

"Do you think it's better to be flattered or to be respected by your peers?"

"How do you usually react when you feel flattered? Do you blush or say thank you?"

"Is there a specific person whose praise would make you feel especially flattered?"

Temas para diario

Describe a time when you were deeply flattered. Who gave the compliment and why did it mean so much to you?

Write about the difference between feeling proud of yourself and feeling flattered by someone else's opinion.

If you could be flattered by any famous person in history, who would it be and what would they say?

Reflect on a time you used the phrase 'I'm flattered' to politely decline an offer. How did it help the situation?

Does being flattered ever make you feel uncomfortable? Why or why not? Explore the relationship between praise and ego.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Generally, no. 'Flattered' is a positive emotion. However, you can use it sarcastically, like 'I'm flattered you think I'm that old,' but this is less common than its positive use.

Not exactly. 'Happy' is a broad emotion. 'Flattered' is a specific type of happiness caused by someone else's praise or attention. You are happy when it's sunny, but you are flattered when someone compliments your hair.

This is the most common confusion. 'Flattered' is how you feel (the person). 'Flattering' is the quality of the thing (the dress, the lighting, the comment). A flattering dress makes you look good; you feel flattered when people tell you that you look good.

Yes, it is very polite! It is a standard and graceful way to accept a compliment or an invitation in English-speaking cultures.

Anyone can be flattered! It is a gender-neutral term used by men, women, and children alike.

Not necessarily. You can be flattered by a lie if you believe it, or you can be flattered by praise you don't think you deserve. It describes your feeling, not the truth of the praise.

The verb is 'flatter', the past tense is 'flattered', and the adjective is also 'flattered'. They are spelled the same.

A flatterer is a person who gives a lot of compliments, often because they want something from the other person. It can have a slightly negative meaning.

Metaphorically, yes! You might say, 'I'm flattered that the shy cat chose to sit on my lap.' It shows you feel chosen and special.

Yes, it is a very common word in everyday English, especially in social and professional settings. It's a 'must-know' for B1 level learners.

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