unflattering
|un/flat/ter/ing|
B2
/ʌnˈflætərɪŋ/
not complimentary
Etymology
Etymology Information
'unflattering' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'flattering', which comes from Middle English 'flateren', meaning 'to praise excessively'.
Historical Evolution
'flateren' transformed into the modern English word 'flatter', and with the addition of the prefix 'un-', it became 'unflattering'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, 'flatter' meant 'to praise excessively', and 'unflattering' evolved to mean 'not favorable or complimentary'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not favorable or complimentary; not flattering.
The dress was unflattering on her.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45