Adulator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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adulator
[หรฆdสสหleษชtษr ]
Definition
flattery
A person who excessively praises or flatters someone, often for their own benefit.
Synonyms
brownnoser, flatterer, sycophant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| adulator |
This word is often used in formal settings to describe someone who excessively praises or admires someone else. It is usually neutral but can have a slightly negative connotation if the praise seems insincere.
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| sycophant |
This word is often used in formal contexts to describe someone who flatters influential people for personal gain. It carries a strong negative connotation.
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| flatterer |
This term is generally used to describe someone who gives excessive, insincere praise. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, and often has a negative connotation.
|
| brownnoser |
This is an informal and somewhat derogatory term used to describe someone who flatters others, especially superiors, in order to gain personal advantages.
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Examples of usage
- He was known to be an adulator, always praising his boss to gain favor.
- The adulator constantly showered the celebrity with compliments in hopes of getting a job.
- The adulator's insincere flattery was transparent to those around him.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Psychological studies show that excessive flattery can sometimes diminish genuine relationships, leading to feelings of distrust.
- People may often engage in adulation as a strategy to gain social approval or increase their status within a group.
- Over adulation can create pressures for those in positions of power, leading them to question the sincerity of compliments they receive.
Literature
- Adulators often appear in classic literature as characters who serve to reveal deeper truths about the protagonistโs relationships.
- Famous literary works sometimes highlight the tension between sincere admiration and disingenuous flattery through adulator characters.
- The role of the adulator can be both comedic and critical, showing how characters navigate social dynamics.
Pop Culture
- In modern media, adulators can often be seen in reality TV, where contestants flatter judges or participants to gain favor.
- Many Hollywood actors depict adulator characters to show the sometimes superficial nature of relationships in showbiz.
- Social media influences adulation, where 'likes' and comments can create pressure to flatter influencers and celebrities.
History
- Throughout history, many monarchs employed flattery as a tool, allowing courtiers to achieve power through adulation.
- Certain historical figures, like Machiavelli, warned against the dangers of flattery and emphasized the value of honest counsel.
- In ancient courts, adulation was often seen as a necessary skill for political maneuvering, illustrating its long-standing presence in power dynamics.
Origin of 'adulator'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'adulare', meaning 'to flatter' or 'to wag.'
- In English, the term has been used since the 16th century to describe over-the-top flattery.
- Related words include 'adulation' which means excessive praise, and 'adulatory', which describes an act of flattery.
The word 'adulator' comes from the Latin word 'adulator', which means 'flatterer'. The concept of flattery has been present throughout history, with various cultures valuing or despising it in different ways. In ancient Rome, for example, adulation was often seen as a negative trait associated with insincerity and manipulation.