Oleaginously: meaning, definitions and examples

🤥
Add to dictionary

oleaginously

 

[ oʊˈliːədʒɪnəsli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

negative behavior

Oleaginously refers to acting in a smooth, ingratiating manner, often in a way that is perceived as excessively flattering. It implies a lack of sincerity and can indicate an ulterior motive behind one's behavior.

Synonyms

insincerely, sycophantically, unctuously

Examples of usage

  • He spoke oleaginously to gain her trust.
  • The salesman was oleaginously complimenting the customer's taste.
  • She gave an oleaginous smile that made everyone uneasy.

Translations

Translations of the word "oleaginously" in other languages:

🇵🇹 oleaginosamente

🇮🇳 तेलयुक्त तरीके से

🇩🇪 öligenhaft

🇮🇩 berminyak

🇺🇦 маслянисто

🇵🇱 oleistym

🇯🇵 油っぽく

🇫🇷 oleagineusement

🇪🇸 oleaginosamente

🇹🇷 yağlı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 기름지게

🇸🇦 بشكل دهني

🇨🇿 olejovitě

🇸🇰 olejovo

🇨🇳 油腻地

🇸🇮 olejasto

🇮🇸 fituðu

🇰🇿 майлы

🇬🇪 ზეთოვანი

🇦🇿 yağlı şəkildə

🇲🇽 oleaginosamente

Word origin

The word 'oleaginously' derives from the root 'oleaginous', which comes from the Latin 'oleaginus', meaning 'oily' or 'fat'. This Latin term is itself derived from 'oleum', meaning 'oil'. The transformation into 'oleaginous' occurred around the early 17th century, where it developed a figurative sense implying a slippery or insincere nature. The adverbial form 'oleaginously' began to surface in English literature as a way to describe actions or behaviors that are smooth in the manner of oil, suggesting a lack of genuine feelings or intentions. This term is often used in a critical context, especially to characterize individuals whose flattery seems excessive and deceitful. The evolution of the word reflects societal attitudes towards insincerity and the inherent distrust that arises when one feels they are being manipulated through smooth talk.