Unctuously: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ค
unctuously
[ หสลk.tสu.ษs.li ]
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:
๐ต๐น oleoso
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเคชเคฒเฅเคธเฅ เคญเคฐเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช schmeichelnd
๐ฎ๐ฉ menyanjung
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะดะปะฐะฑัะทะฝะธััะบะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ sลodki
๐ฏ๐ต ใไธ่พใฎ
๐ซ๐ท mielleux
๐ช๐ธ untuoso
๐น๐ท yaฤcฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ์์ฒจํ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ูุจุงูุบ ูู ุงูู ุฌุงู ูุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ mazlivรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ maznavรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ่ฐๅช็
๐ธ๐ฎ pohlevan
๐ฎ๐ธ smjaรฐandi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะฐาัะฐะฝัะฐา
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แแงแแฃแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ลirin
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.