Adulator is a word that is not commonly used in everyday language, but it is still important to understand its meaning and significance. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of adulator, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Adulator is a noun that refers to a person who praises or flatters someone excessively, often in order to gain favor or advantage. Adulation is the act of excessive or insincere praise, often with the intention of ingratiating oneself with the person being praised.
Origin
The word adulator comes from the Latin word adulator, which means “flatterer.” The word was first used in English in the late 16th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, adulator is “a person who flatters or praises excessively or insincerely.” Merriam-Webster defines adulator as “a person who flatters or fawns insincerely to gain favor.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines adulator as “someone who praises people in a way that is not sincere, especially to gain some advantage from them.”
Associations
Adulator is often associated with negative connotations, as it implies insincerity and manipulation. Adulators are often seen as untrustworthy and lacking in integrity.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for adulator include flatterer, sycophant, toady, yes-man, and brown-noser.
Antonyms
Antonyms of adulator include critic, detractor, and cynic.
The same root words
Other words that share the same root word as adulator include adulation, adulatory, and adulating.
Example Sentences
- The adulator showered the politician with insincere praise in the hopes of gaining a favor.
- She saw through the adulator’s flattery and knew that he was only trying to manipulate her.
- The CEO was surrounded by adulators who constantly praised his every move.
- He refused to become an adulator, preferring to speak his mind and offer honest criticism.
- The adulator’s fawning behavior made everyone uncomfortable, and they all wished he would just be honest.