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Sycophantic: meaning, definitions and examples

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sycophantic

 

[ ˌsɪkəˈfæntɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavior towards someone in authority

Behaving or done in an obsequious way in order to gain advantage or favor from someone in authority.

Synonyms

fawning, obsequious, servile, subservient

Examples of usage

  • He was always complimenting the boss in a sycophantic way.
  • The sycophantic behavior of the new intern was quite transparent.
  • She resorted to sycophantic flattery to get a promotion.
Context #2 | Adjective

flattering someone excessively

Excessively flattering or ingratiating, typically in order to gain favor or advantage.

Synonyms

flattering, ingratiating, obsequious, unctuous

Examples of usage

  • She received the promotion due to her sycophantic behavior towards the manager.
  • The sycophantic praise from his colleagues made him uncomfortable.
  • The politician was known for his sycophantic speeches.

Translations

Translations of the word "sycophantic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bajulador

🇮🇳 चापलूस

🇩🇪 schmeichlerisch

🇮🇩 penjilat

🇺🇦 підлабузницький

🇵🇱 pochlebczy

🇯🇵 おべっか使い

🇫🇷 obséquieux

🇪🇸 adulador

🇹🇷 yalaka

🇰🇷 아첨하는

🇸🇦 متملق

🇨🇿 podlézavý

🇸🇰 podlízavý

🇨🇳 阿谀奉承的

🇸🇮 prilizniški

🇮🇸 smjaðandi

🇰🇿 жалпақтағыш

🇬🇪 მლიქვნელი

🇦🇿 yaltaklanan

🇲🇽 adulador

Etymology

The word 'sycophantic' originates from the Greek word 'sykophantes', which referred to informers or slanderers. In English, the term evolved to describe behavior that is excessively flattering or obsequious, often with an ulterior motive. The concept of sycophancy has been present in various cultures throughout history, where individuals sought to gain favor or advantage through flattery or servile behavior.

See also: sycophancy, sycophant.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,585, 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.