lisonjear

Senses

1. 1.

   to flatter

   to praise someone excessively or insincerely, often to gain favor

2. 2.

   to please, to gratify

   to make someone feel satisfied or honored

Examples

• "Ele sempre lisonjeia o chefe para conseguir uma promoção."

  He always flatters his boss to get a promotion.

• "Sua presença aqui me lisonjeia muito."

  Your presence here flatters me greatly.

• "Não precisa me lisonjear, eu sei que o trabalho não ficou perfeito."

  You don't need to flatter me, I know the work wasn't perfect.

Usage

Lisonjear often carries a somewhat negative connotation of insincere flattery or manipulation, though it can also be used positively when someone feels genuinely honored. Common constructions include "lisonjear alguém" (to flatter someone) and "sentir-se lisonjeado/a" (to feel flattered).