Flatterable

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Open to receiving compliments or praise | Capable of being adequately praised or admired by others | Susceptible to expressions of flattery or admiration from individuals
2. Capable of being impressed or pleased by admiration or compliments from others
3. Able to be influenced positively by flattery or favorable remarks made by people

Etymology: This adjective derives from the verb "flatter," which entered English in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century. The verb originally came from Old French "flatter," meaning "to soothe or caress," which in turn stemmed from the Vulgar Latin "*flatāre," an imitative formation representing the action of stroking or touching lightly. Over time, the sense shifted from physical caressing to verbal praise intended to please or ingratiate. The suffix "-able," common in English, comes from Latin "-abilis," which forms adjectives meaning "capable of" or "susceptible to." By adding this suffix, the adjective indicates the quality of being capable of receiving the action described by the verb. Hence, the resulting word describes someone or something that can be flattered—that is, someone who is susceptible to or easily pleased by praise. This formation is quite straightforward and follows a common pattern in English word formation where verbs are turned into adjectives by adding "-able." The term itself is less common than "flattering" or "flattered," but it provides a precise way to describe the potential for being influenced by flattery. It likely appeared as an occasional formation in English by analogy with similar adjectives but has never been widespread enough to be recorded in early dictionaries as an independent entry.

Synonyms: praiseworthy, commendable, laudable, admirable, deserving

Antonyms: unworthy, disgraceful, shameful, blameworthy, discreditable