unctuous — excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈʌŋktʃuəs/
Example Sentences
- His unctuous apology was as fake as a three-dollar bill.
- The salesman's unctuous praise of my 'excellent taste' fooled no one.
- The unctuous waiter hovered around our table, hoping for a large tip.
unctuous
ADJECTIVE[/ˈʌŋktʃuəs/]
excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily
The unctuous salesman drips flattery while pushing an overpriced watch on a suspicious customer.
In sumptuous settings, the presumptuous man's unctuous flattery flows.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'unctuous' meaning 'oily' or 'greasy,' derived from 'ungere' meaning 'to anoint' or 'to oil.' The word entered English in the 14th century to describe both literal oiliness and figuratively, an insincerely earnest or flattering manner.
Breakdown
unct- (from Latin ungere, to anoint/oil) + -uous (full of, characterized by) = unctuous (oily, greasy, or insincerely flattering)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His unctuous apology was as fake as a three-dollar bill.”
“The salesman's unctuous praise of my 'excellent taste' fooled no one.”
“The unctuous waiter hovered around our table, hoping for a large tip.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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