Adulate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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adulate

[ˈædʒʊˌleɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

praise excessively

To adulate means to excessively praise or admire someone. It often involves flattery and exaggerated compliments.

Synonyms

flatter, praise, worship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
adulate	This word is used when someone excessively admires or idolizes another person, often in a way that feels insincere or exaggerated. It has a negative connotation. They would adulate the CEO, regardless of his mistakes. The young fans adulated the pop star to an absurd degree.
flatter	This word is used when someone compliments another person, often to gain favor or manipulate. It can imply insincerity. He flattered his boss to get a promotion. She flattered him by saying he was the most talented artist she had ever met.
praise	This word is used to express approval or admiration for someone's achievements or qualities sincerely. The teacher praised the student for her excellent work. The critics praised the film for its originality.
worship	This word is used in a religious context to describe acts of devotion or reverence towards a deity. It can also be used metaphorically to describe extreme admiration. They worship at the temple every week. He worships his older brother, imitating everything he does.

Examples of usage

She adulates her favorite actor, always talking about how amazing he is.
The politician was known for adulating his supporters to gain their loyalty.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

idolize

Adulate can also mean to idolize someone, to treat them as a god or to hold them in extremely high esteem.

Synonyms

idolize, revere, venerate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
adulate	Adulate is used when someone excessively praises or flatters another person, often in a way that seems insincere or exaggerated. The fans adulated the movie star at the premiere The employee was known to adulate the boss to gain favor
idolize	Idolize is used when someone admires or loves another person to an extreme extent, treating them as an idol. It can be used both positively and negatively. Many teenagers idolize pop stars and try to emulate their style He idolized his older brother and followed him everywhere
revere	Revere is used to indicate deep respect and admiration for someone or something, often associated with feelings of awe. The community revered the local doctor for his years of dedicated service Historians revere ancient philosophers for their contributions to knowledge
venerate	Venerate is often used in a religious or formal context to show deep respect and honor. It implies a sense of sanctity or devotion. Catholics venerate the saints for their holy lives and miracles The ancient Greeks venerated their gods with elaborate rituals

Examples of usage

In some cultures, people adulate their leaders as if they are divine beings.
Teenagers often adulate famous musicians, considering them idols to be worshipped.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'adulate'

The word 'adulate' comes from the Latin word 'adulatus', which means 'to flatter'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Adulation has been a common practice throughout history, where people in power or influence are often adulated by those around them. The concept of adulation has been explored in literature and philosophy as both a positive and negative trait.

See also: adulation, adulator, adulatory.