Unctuously: meaning, definitions and examples

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unctuously

 

[ หˆสŒล‹k.tสƒu.ษ™s.li ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

tone, manner

Unctuously describes a manner that is excessively flattering or ingratiating. It's often used to characterize someone who is trying too hard to please or win favor through insincere compliments. This type of behavior can come across as obsequious, which may lead the observer to feel discomfort or suspicion. Unctuousness typically suggests a sense of slickness or oiliness, not only in a physical sense but also in terms of personality.

Synonyms

insincerely, oleaginously, slimy, sycophantically

Examples of usage

  • He spoke unctuously, trying to win her over.
  • The salesman's unctuous demeanor made me question his honesty.
  • She thanked him in an unctuously grateful tone.
  • His unctuous personality grated on everyone's nerves.

Translations

Translations of the word "unctuously" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น oleoso

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเคพเคชเคฒเฅ‚เคธเฅ€ เคญเคฐเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช schmeichelnd

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ menyanjung

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะดะปะฐะฑัƒะทะฝะธั†ัŒะบะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sล‚odki

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใŠไธ–่พžใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mielleux

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ untuoso

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yaฤŸcฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•„์ฒจํ•˜๋Š”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูุจุงู„ุบ ููŠ ุงู„ู…ุฌุงู…ู„ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mazlivรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ maznavรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฐ„ๅชš็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pohlevan

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ smjaรฐandi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะฐา›ั‚ะฐะฝัˆะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ แƒ˜แƒงแƒ•แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸirin

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ untuoso

Etymology

The word 'unctuously' derives from 'unctuous', which traces its roots back to the Latin 'unctuosus', meaning 'oily' or 'greasy'. This term is derived from 'unctus', the past participle of 'unguere', which means 'to anoint'. The original sense of these terms referred to a physical quality, invoking the smooth, slippery characteristics of oil or fat. Over time, the use of 'unctuous' expanded metaphorically to describe people or behaviors that are excessively flattering or ingratiating. The shift in meaning reflects a cultural perception of sincerity and authenticity, as such behaviors can sometimes be perceived negatively. In modern usage, 'unctuously' often carries connotations of manipulation and insincerity, especially in social or professional contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,748, 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.