flatterer

noun  C2
Plain meaning

someone who praises people too much, often to gain something

Exam-register meaning

In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe someone who praises people too much, often to gain something, often with a precise or specialised tone.

In context
naturalThe article mentioned flatterer as one of the main issues.
examThe author examines flatterer in relation to social change, public policy, and institutional responsibility.
Common collocations
a clear flattererevidence of flattererwidespread flatterer
Watch out
Do not use “flatterer” as a vague high-level replacement; make sure the sentence really needs this specific noun.
Quick check — can you use it?

The passage focuses on  ______  as a key theme in the debate.

Practice all 660 words free →

More C2 words to master
lurch pithy for donkey’s years peerless highbrow