Fawning: meaning, definitions and examples

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fawning

 

[ ˈfɔːnɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

flattering behavior

Exhibiting exaggerated flattery or affection in order to gain favor or approval, often insincerely.

Synonyms

flattering, obsequious, sycophantic

Examples of usage

  • She was fawning over the celebrity, hoping for a selfie.
  • The employee was fawning over the boss to get a promotion.
  • Don't be fooled by his fawning remarks, he has ulterior motives.
Context #2 | Noun

behavior

The act of showing excessive admiration or approval, often to gain favor.

Synonyms

adulation, flattery, ingratiation

Examples of usage

  • His fawning towards the teacher did not go unnoticed.
  • She received criticism for her fawning behavior towards the manager.

Translations

Translations of the word "fawning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bajulação

🇮🇳 चापलूसी

🇩🇪 Schmeichelei

🇮🇩 menjilat

🇺🇦 підлабузництво

🇵🇱 pochlebstwo

🇯🇵 お世辞

🇫🇷 flatterie

🇪🇸 adulación

🇹🇷 yağcılık

🇰🇷 아첨

🇸🇦 تملق

🇨🇿 lichocení

🇸🇰 lichotenie

🇨🇳 奉承

🇸🇮 prilizovanje

🇮🇸 smjað

🇰🇿 жалпақтау

🇬🇪 მიჯაჭვული

🇦🇿 yaltaklanma

🇲🇽 adulación

Word origin

The word 'fawning' originates from the Middle English 'faunen', which means to flatter or show excessive affection. It is believed to have evolved from the Old English 'fægnian', which had similar connotations of showing happiness or joy. Over time, 'fawning' has acquired a negative connotation, associated with insincere or exaggerated flattery.

See also: fawn.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,585, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.