Adulatory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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adulatory
[หรฆdส.ษ.lษ.tษหr.i ]
Definition
in a flattering manner
Characterized by excessive or insincere praise; trying to gain favor or approval by flattery.
Synonyms
complimentary, fawning, flattering, obsequious, sycophantic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| adulatory |
Used in formal contexts to describe excessive praise, often in a public or official setting.
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| flattering |
Used to describe praise that makes someone look or feel better, often conveyed with a hint of exaggeration; can be sincere or insincere.
|
| complimentary |
Used in everyday situations to give positive feedback, often sincerely and without excess.
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| fawning |
Used to describe behavior that is overly affectionate or submissive, usually to gain favor, and often seen as insincere.
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| obsequious |
Used to describe overly submissive and eager-to-please behavior, typically with negative connotations.
|
| sycophantic |
Used to describe insincere flattery intended to gain advantage from someone with power, carries a strongly negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- She gave an adulatory speech to the boss in hopes of getting a promotion.
- The adulatory comments from the critics were clearly exaggerated.
- He received adulatory messages from his fans after the successful performance.
- The adulatory tone of the article made it clear that the author was biased.
- His adulatory behavior towards the celebrity was seen as insincere.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many authors use 'adulatory' characters to explore themes of manipulation or insincerity.
- Famous playwrights often create scenes where characters engage in adulation to reveal social dynamics and power struggles.
- In satirical works, adulatory tones can be used to critique societal norms around praise and success.
Psychology
- Excessive adulation can sometimes lead to an inflated sense of self-worth, known as narcissism.
- Psychologists study the effects of praise on motivation, showing that while praise is important, too much of it can lead to dependency.
- Research indicates that genuine praise is more beneficial than empty adulation, which can create distrust.
Pop Culture
- In movies, the character who receives adulation often faces challenges, highlighting the risks of overreliance on others' opinions.
- Reality television often showcases adulatory behavior, where participants flatter judges or celebrities to gain favor.
- Social media has amplified adulation, leading to phenomena like influencers gaining popularity through excessive praise from followers.
Philosophy
- Philosophers debate the ethics of adulation, questioning whether it is sincere encouragement or manipulation.
- The idea of truth-telling versus flattery is central in philosophy, with 'adulatory' praise often seen as morally ambiguous.
- Some philosophical texts argue that genuine appreciation should come from a place of honesty, rather than mere social obligation.
Origin of 'adulatory'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin term 'adulatio', meaning 'flattery.'
- It was formed by combining the prefix 'ad-' (to) and 'ulatio' (to wag the tail), akin to how a dog wags its tail when excited.
- The term first appeared in English literature in the early 17th century, linking it to excessive praise.
The word 'adulatory' originates from the Latin word 'adulฤtลrius', which means 'flattering'. The term has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe behavior or speech that excessively praises or flatters someone. It is often associated with insincerity and an attempt to gain favor or approval through false praise.