Difference Between Flattery and Appreciation

Key Difference – Flattery vs Appreciation
 

The key difference between flattery and appreciation is the intention; a person who flatters another person is usually driven by a selfish ulterior motive whereas a person who appreciates another is driven by kindness, friendliness and gratitude. Thus, flattery is often seen as a negative concept whereas appreciation is a very positive concept.

What is Flattery?

Flattery can be described as insincere and excessive praise that is given with a hidden intention. In other words, it is a false compliment.  A person usually flatters another when he wants to manipulate others and get them to help him. So when you are flattering someone, you are usually doing it with the intention of getting something you want. Thus, flattery is motivated by selfishness.

Oftentimes flatters, people who flatter you, mean just the opposite of what they say. For example, if they’d praise your dress, even if they feel that it is the ugliest dress in the world. Flatter may also praise your virtues so much that you’d feel that you are the best person in the world. However, believing flatters can actually prove to be your downfall as well.

What is Appreciation?

Appreciation is recognition of the good qualities of someone and expressing your pleasure or gratitude to that person. Appreciation is always sincere and genuine. It is not driven by any ulterior selfish motives, other than to make the other person understand our gratitude. For example, suppose your friend helped you in tough times, you’d want to express appreciation.

Sometimes it is very difficult to identify the difference between flattery and appreciation. But you may be able to identify insincere praise from the tone, mood and the body language of the person praising you. Moreover, it is always to use specific details when you appreciate someone, .i.e., why are you complimenting that person?

What is the difference between Flattery and Appreciation?

Meaning:

Flattery is insincere and excessive praise that is given with a hidden intention.

Appreciation is the recognition of the good qualities of someone and expressing your pleasure or gratitude to that person.

Motive:

Flattery has an ulterior selfish motive.

Appreciation has no ulterior motive other than expressing gratitude.

Sincerity:

Flattery is not sincere or genuine.

Appreciation is genuine and sincere.

Truth vs False:

Flattery may contain lies as the flatterer may mean the exact opposite of what he says.

Appreciation is always based on truth.

Connotations:

Flattery is associated with negative connotations.

Appreciation is associated with positive connotations.

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