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Fulsome: meaning, definitions and examples

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fulsome

 

[ ˈfʊl.səm ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

praise, compliments

The term 'fulsome' is often used to describe praise or compliments that are excessive and insincere. It can imply that the flattery is so over-the-top that it becomes distasteful. Fulsome praise can make the recipient uncomfortable, as it lacks authenticity and can seem manipulative. The word can also reference something that is abundant or generous, but this usage is less common. It's important to note that the tone and delivery of fulsome praise can significantly affect how it is perceived by others.

Synonyms

excessive, insincere, lavish, ostentatious, overboard

Examples of usage

  • His fulsome praise made her feel uneasy.
  • The actor received fulsome compliments for her performance.
  • The report was filled with fulsome language that felt exaggerated.
  • She offered him fulsome thanks, but it didn't feel genuine.

Translations

Translations of the word "fulsome" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exagerado

🇮🇳 अत्यधिक

🇩🇪 übertrieben

🇮🇩 berlebihan

🇺🇦 надмірний

🇵🇱 przesadny

🇯🇵 過剰な

🇫🇷 exagéré

🇪🇸 excesivo

🇹🇷 aşırı

🇰🇷 과도한

🇸🇦 مبالغ فيه

🇨🇿 přehnaný

🇸🇰 preháňaný

🇨🇳 过度的

🇸🇮 pretiran

🇮🇸 ofur

🇰🇿 артық

🇬🇪 მეტისმეტად

🇦🇿 şişirdilmiş

🇲🇽 exagerado

Etymology

The word 'fulsome' has its roots in Middle English, deriving from the Old English word 'fullsom,' which originally meant 'abundant' or 'rich.' Over time, its meaning evolved, and by the late 15th century, it had begun to take on a negative connotation, particularly in British English. This shift was influenced by the association of the word with excessive or insincere expressions, especially in the context of flattery or praise. Despite its negative implications in certain contexts, 'fulsome' can still be used in a more neutral sense to describe something that is plentiful or abundant. However, the prevailing modern usage typically speaks to an exaggerated degree of admiration that raises suspicions about ulterior motives. Today, 'fulsome' is often employed to critique insincere or excessively extravagant remarks, particularly in formal or literary contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,176, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.