Fawned: meaning, definitions and examples

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fawned

[ fawned ]

Verb

^{Context #1 | Verb}

flattery, attention

To fawned means to exhibit affection or enthusiasm in an overly flattering or submissive manner. It often implies a sycophantic, ingratiating attitude towards someone of higher status. In many contexts, fawning can be perceived as insincere or excessive. The behavior might be seen in social interactions where an individual seeks approval or favor from another, often through praise or attentiveness.

Synonyms

to adulate, to flatter, to grovel, to ingratiate.

Examples of usage

She fawned over the celebrity at the event.
The employee fawned on his boss to secure a promotion.
He fawned at the praise given by his teacher.

Translations

Translations of the word "fawned" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cortejado

🇮🇳 चापलूसी की

🇩🇪 schmeicheln

🇮🇩 merayu

🇺🇦 підлещуватися

🇵🇱 przyklaskiwać

🇯🇵 お世辞を言う

🇫🇷 flatter

🇪🇸 halagar

🇹🇷 yalakalık yapmak

🇰🇷 아첨하다

🇸🇦 تملق

🇨🇿 líbat

🇸🇰 lichotiť

🇨🇳 奉承

🇸🇮 prijazno govoriti

🇮🇸 hrífa

🇰🇿 мақтау

🇬🇪 ლიქვი

🇦🇿 yaltaklama

🇲🇽 halagar

Etymology

The word 'fawn' has its origins in the Old English ‘fagnian’, which meant to rejoice or to be glad. The word evolved over time, adopting meanings related to displaying affection, especially in a submissive manner. The verb became associated with the idea of a young deer (a fawn) as a metaphor for innocence and vulnerability. By the 15th century, the term had taken on the connotation of excessive flattery or servile behavior. It reflects an ingrained social dynamic, where one party seeks to win the favor of another, often through exaggerated displays of affection. This evolution showcases how language can reflect societal behaviors and attitudes, particularly in hierarchical relationships.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,721, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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35718 hoopla
35719 luxuriate
35720 trivialized
35721 fawned
35722 sunnier
35723 arrhythmic
35724 sidling
...