- flattering (adj.)
- 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.
- unflattering (adj.)
- 1580s, from un- (1) "not" + gerundive of flatter. Related: Unflatteringly.