sycophant — a person who acts obsequiously in order to gain advantage; a servile flatterer
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a person who acts obsequiously in order to gain advantage; a servile flatterer
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsɪkəfənt/
Example Sentences
- The new intern was such a sycophant that he even complimented the boss's terrible haircut.
- True friends give honest advice, while sycophants only tell you what you want to hear.
- The dictator's palace was filled with sycophants who applauded even when he sneezed.
sycophant
NOUN[/ˈsɪkəfənt/]
a person who acts obsequiously in order to gain advantage; a servile flatterer
Calculated flattery toward someone powerful
A sick fan desperately flattering and crawling toward celebrity for attention
A sycophant acts like a servant
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From ancient Greek 'sykophantes,' meaning 'one who shows figs.' Originally referred to informants who reported illegal fig smugglers in Athens, but evolved to mean someone who curries favor with authority figures through flattery and informing.
Breakdown
syko- (fig) + phant- (to show/reveal) + -es (agent suffix)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The new intern was such a sycophant that he even complimented the boss's terrible haircut.”
“True friends give honest advice, while sycophants only tell you what you want to hear.”
“The dictator's palace was filled with sycophants who applauded even when he sneezed.”
“Don't be a sycophant; speak your mind even if others disagree.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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