Flattery vs. Compliment: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Flattery often implies insincerity or excessive praise for personal gain, while a compliment is genuine and sincere appreciation or admiration.
Key Differences
Flattery, typically, is associated with exaggeration and insincerity, used as a tool for persuasion or personal gain. It often lacks genuine sentiment and can be seen as manipulative. In contrast, a compliment is an expression of praise, admiration, or encouragement that is sincere and heartfelt. Compliments are meant to acknowledge positive attributes or actions genuinely.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
The impact of flattery can be double-edged; while it might initially please the recipient, its insincere nature can lead to mistrust or discomfort upon realization. Compliments, however, tend to have a positive impact, boosting the recipient’s morale and self-esteem. The sincerity in compliments makes them more valuable and credible.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
In communication, flattery is often used in a strategic manner, possibly to ingratiate oneself with others or to achieve a specific goal. It can be more about the flatterer than the person being flattered. Compliments, on the other hand, are used to genuinely express admiration or appreciation, focusing on the positive qualities of the other person without hidden agendas.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
The perception of flattery versus compliments can vary culturally. In some cultures, what is intended as a compliment might be perceived as flattery and vice versa. The key lies in understanding the social and cultural nuances that govern these forms of expression.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
In professional settings, flattery can sometimes be seen as a tactic for career advancement, whereas compliments are viewed as positive reinforcement or constructive feedback. In personal relationships, compliments strengthen bonds through genuine expressions of affection, whereas flattery might be viewed with skepticism.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Sincerity
Often insincere, with ulterior motives
Generally sincere and heartfelt
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Dec 18, 2023
Purpose
To gain favor, manipulate, or persuade
To express genuine admiration or appreciation
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Dec 18, 2023
Impact on Recipient
Can lead to mistrust or discomfort
Positively boosts morale and self-esteem
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Dec 18, 2023
Usage in Relationships
Used strategically, often self-serving
Used to acknowledge and reinforce positivity
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Dec 18, 2023
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Flattery and Compliment Definitions
Flattery
Flattery is used to ingratiate oneself with another, often for personal gain.
She used flattery to win favor with her boss, frequently complimenting his questionable decisions.
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Dec 12, 2023
Compliment
A compliment conveys genuine admiration without ulterior motives.
Your dedication to volunteering is inspiring, she complimented sincerely.
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Dec 12, 2023
Flattery
Flattery serves as a tool for manipulation, influencing others for one’s advantage.
His flattery was a calculated move to gain the trust of his colleagues.
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Dec 12, 2023
Compliment
A compliment is a sincere expression of praise or admiration.
Your work on this project has been exceptional, he complimented genuinely.
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Dec 12, 2023
Flattery
Flattery involves strategic complimenting to achieve a specific objective.
He used flattery, praising her skills, to convince her to join his project.
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Dec 12, 2023
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Compliment
Compliments affirm positive attributes or efforts of others.
Complimenting her cooking, he acknowledged her culinary skills.
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Dec 12, 2023
Flattery
Flattery is often giving excessive compliments that may not be entirely truthful.
Your speech was the best I've ever heard, he said, more as flattery than a genuine opinion.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Compliment
A compliment recognizes a positive quality or achievement.
She complimented his ability to resolve conflicts effectively.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Flattery
Flattery is characterized by insincere adulation, often overdone or unwarranted.
Her flattery, filled with extravagant praises, was clearly aimed at getting a promotion.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Compliment
Compliments serve as positive reinforcement, encouraging good qualities or actions.
His compliment on her presentation boosted her confidence.
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Dec 12, 2023
Flattery
(uncountable) Excessive praise or approval, which is often insincere and sometimes contrived to win favour.
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Dec 10, 2023
Compliment
Compliments Good wishes; regards
Extend my compliments to your parents. See Usage Note at complement.
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Dec 10, 2023
Flattery
The act or practice of flattering; the act of pleasing by artful commendation or compliments; adulation; false, insincere, or excessive praise.
Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present.
Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Compliment
To show fondness, regard, or respect for by giving a gift or performing a favor.
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Dec 10, 2023
Compliment
An expression of praise, congratulation, or respect.
Pay someone a compliment
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Dec 10, 2023
Compliment
(ambitransitive) To pay a compliment (to someone); to express a favourable opinion (of someone).
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Compliment
An expression, by word or act, of approbation, regard, confidence, civility, or admiration; a flattering speech or attention; a ceremonious greeting; as, to send one's compliments to a friend.
Tedious waste of time, to sit and hearSo many hollow compliments and lies.
Many a compliment politely penned.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Compliment
To praise, flatter, or gratify, by expressions of approbation, respect, or congratulation; to make or pay a compliment to.
Monarchs should their inward soul disguise; . . . Should compliment their foes and shun their friends.
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Dec 10, 2023
Compliment
To pass compliments; to use conventional expressions of respect.
I make the interlocutors, upon occasion, compliment with one another.
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Dec 10, 2023
Compliment
Say something to someone that expresses praise;
He complimented her on her last physics paper
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Dec 10, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can flattery be positive?
While flattery can be pleasing, its insincerity often undermines its positivity.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Is flattery always bad?
Not necessarily, but it’s often viewed negatively due to its insincerity.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Why do people use flattery?
Often to ingratiate themselves, gain favor, or achieve personal goals.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
What is flattery?
Flattery is excessive or insincere praise, often for personal gain.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
How can I tell if praise is flattery or a compliment?
Assess the sincerity and the context; flattery often has an ulterior motive.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
What is a compliment?
A compliment is a genuine expression of praise or admiration.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Can compliments be harmful?
If not sincere or used manipulatively, they can be perceived negatively.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
How to respond to a compliment?
Graciously accept it with a simple thank you.
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Dec 18, 2023
Why are compliments important?
They acknowledge and reinforce positive qualities or actions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
How do compliments affect relationships?
Genuine compliments can strengthen and positively reinforce relationships.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
How do compliments impact self-esteem?
Sincere compliments can significantly boost a person's self-esteem.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Can flattery be a form of manipulation?
Yes, it’s often used to manipulate others for personal advantage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
How can I give a sincere compliment?
Be genuine, specific, and focus on real qualities or achievements.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
How to respond to flattery?
Acknowledge it, but remain cautious of the intentions behind it.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Can too many compliments be a bad thing?
Excessive compliments may lose their sincerity and impact, and can sometimes be perceived as flattery.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Is flattery effective in the workplace?
It can be, but it may also lead to distrust if perceived as insincere.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
How to distinguish flattery from a compliment in a professional setting?
Consider the context, sincerity, and whether the praise seems exaggerated.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
What makes a compliment meaningful?
Its sincerity, relevance, and the truthfulness of the praise.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
How do cultural differences impact the perception of flattery and compliments?
Cultural norms can influence how flattery and compliments are perceived and delivered.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Can flattery be a form of flattery?
Yes, especially when it’s used strategically to influence someone.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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