flattening
UK[ˈflætənɪŋ]US[ˈflætənɪŋ]
v
(present participle). Making something flat or flatter.
v
(present participle). Defeating or humiliating someone completely.
v
(present participle). Becoming flat or less active.
Morpheme Breakdown
flat
en
ing
flat
level
en
verb suffix
ing
present participle suffix
Etymology
The word 'flattening' is built upon the core adjective 'flat', which entered Middle English from Old Norse 'flatr', itself descended from the Proto-Germanic flataz, meaning "flat, level". The addition of the Germanic verbal suffix '-en' transforms the adjective into the verb 'flatten', meaning "to make flat". The '-ing' suffix then adapts the verb into its present participle or gerund form, describing the ongoing process or result of the action. Thus, the literal meaning of "making level" evolved into broader modern applications, from physical smoothing to figurative concepts of defeat or economic stabilization.
Analysis
Structure: flat (level) + en (verb suffix) + ing (present participle suffix)
- flat: From Old Norse 'flatr', meaning "level, smooth". Serves as the core adjective root.
- en: A Germanic verb-forming suffix, meaning "to make or become". Serves as a derivational suffix.
- ing: A present participle suffix indicating ongoing action or state. Serves as an inflectional suffix.
Examples
They are flattening the dough before baking it.
The boxer succeeded in flattening his opponent in the first round.
The government is focused on flattening the curve of the pandemic.