Word
sycophantic
Phoneticssyco·phan·tic
US/ˌsɪkəˈfæntɪk/
UK/sˌɪkəfˈɑːntɪk/
Definition
adj. behaving in an overly flattering way toward someone important to gain an advantage. This kind of praise is not sincere and often seems weak or dishonest.
adj. characterized by obsequious behavior or excessive, servile flattery, typically directed toward a person of power or influence to secure favor.
Examples
“His sycophantic comments to the boss are embarrassing.”
“The CEO was surrounded by sycophantic assistants who agreed with everything she said, preventing any real debate.”
“The aging monarch, preferring the sycophantic praise of his advisors, remained blind to the hard truths offered by those who truly cared for the kingdom.”
Examples
simple
“His sycophantic comments to the boss are embarrassing.”
contextual
“The CEO was surrounded by sycophantic assistants who agreed with everything she said, preventing any real debate.”
complex
“The aging monarch, preferring the sycophantic praise of his advisors, remained blind to the hard truths offered by those who truly cared for the kingdom.”
Etymology
From Ancient Greek σῡκοφᾰντῐκός (sūkophăntĭkós). By surface analysis, sycophant + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/sycophantic