Adulated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Pop Culture

• Celebrities often experience adulation from fans, sometimes leading to intense media coverage and public obsession.
• In reality TV, contestants may become adulated by viewers for their charm, often overshadowing their actual talents.
• Adulated figures in music and film sometimes struggle with the pressure of maintaining their public image.

Psychology

• Excessive adulation can create unrealistic expectations for those in the spotlight, leading to anxiety and burnout.
• Psychologists warn that adulation can lead to echo chambers where individuals only hear praise, stunting personal growth.
• Research shows that people who are frequently adulated might develop a false sense of self or entitlement.

Literature

• Many literary works explore the dangers of adulation, illustrating how it can blind individuals to negative qualities.
• Characters in novels often seek adulation as validation, creating complex relationships with their admirers.
• Poets have long captured the essence of adulation, contrasting it with the more authentic feelings of love and respect.

History

• Historical figures like Julius Caesar and Napoleon faced both adulation and backlash, illustrating the duality of public opinion.
• In ancient societies, leaders were often adulated by their followers, leading to divine-like status.
• Royal courts were notorious for adulating kings and queens, often leading to lavish and ostentatious displays of loyalty.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the Latin 'adulatus', meaning 'to flatter or praise too much'.
• In the 16th century, it was used in English mainly to describe exaggerated praise or sycophantic behavior.
• Over time, the word evolved to describe a strong, often excessive admiration for someone.

The word 'adulate' derives from the Latin 'adulatus', which is the past participle of 'adulare', meaning 'to flatter or to fawn upon'. The prefix 'ad-' means 'to' or 'toward', while 'ulatus' is a form related to 'ulere', which means 'to wag the tail', a gesture often associated with animals showing submission or affection. The term entered the English language in the early 19th century, when it began to be used to describe excessive flattery or idolization of individuals, especially in a political or artistic context. It has evolved to carry a slightly derogatory connotation, implying insincerity or a lack of genuine regard behind the praise. Over time, 'adulate' has been associated with cultural phenomena such as celebrity worship, where fans may exhibit adulation toward their idols without critical judgment.

At position #41,676, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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