flattering (adj.)youdaoicibaDictYouDict[flattering 词源字典]
late 14c., "pleasing to the imagination; dishonestly pleasing; having a false appearance of favorableness," present participle adjective from flatter. Meaning "gratifying to self-esteem" is from 1757. Related: Flatteringly.[flattering etymology, flattering origin, 英语词源]