adulate

IPA

Dictionary definition of adulate

To excessively praise or flatter someone, often to gain favor or ingratiate oneself with that person.
"Writers often adulate classic authors, hoping to emulate their success."

Detailed meaning of adulate

It involves showing an exaggerated admiration or adoration towards someone, often beyond what is warranted or genuine. When individuals adulate someone, they may lavish them with excessive compliments, flattery, or expressions of adoration, sometimes to the point of idolizing them. This verb can be associated with insincere or fawning behavior, where the intent is to seek personal gain or manipulate the person being adulated. Adulating someone often involves an element of superficiality, lacking genuine admiration or respect. It is important to note that adulating is different from genuinely appreciating or admiring someone, as it tends to involve excessive and insincere praise.

Example sentences of adulate

1. Some people adulate celebrities without truly knowing them.
2. He hoped to adulate the boss to secure a promotion.
3. She didn't adulate anyone; she spoke her mind honestly.
4. Politicians often receive adulation from their supporters.
5. The author's fans adulate every book release.
6. It's insincere to adulate just for personal gain.

History and etymology of adulate

The verb 'adulate' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'adulatus,' which is the past participle of 'adulari.' 'Adulari' itself has uncertain origins but is thought to be related to the Latin word 'adulescens,' meaning 'young' or 'youth.' In Latin, 'adulatus' originally meant 'to flatter' or 'to fawn upon.' Over time, this term found its way into English as 'adulate,' maintaining its core meaning of excessively praising or flattering someone, often with the intention of gaining favor or ingratiating oneself with that person. Its etymology underscores the notion of insincere and excessive flattery, often driven by ulterior motives, emphasizing the sometimes manipulative nature of adulation.

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Further usage examples of adulate

1. He didn't need adulation; he preferred honest feedback.
2. Adulating the coach won't guarantee playing time.
3. Her coworkers adulate her for her hard work.
4. The starlet grew tired of constant adulation.
5. They adulate the CEO, but profits are declining.
6. Adulating someone blindly can lead to disappointment.
7. Critics warn against adulating charismatic leaders.
8. She would never adulate just for advancement.
9. Adulation can sometimes mask people's true intentions.
10. When the pop star walked onto the stage, the crowd started to adulate her with cheers and clapping.
11. The townspeople adulate the mayor for his efforts in reducing crime rates.
12. Critics usually adulate filmmakers who bring something unique and groundbreaking to the cinema.
13. Students should learn to think critically rather than adulate everything their professors say.
14. The employees adulate the CEO, as she has turned the company into a globally successful enterprise.
15. The young prince was taught to adulate his ancestors and honor the legacy they left behind.
16. After his match-winning goal, soccer fans began to adulate the young player, calling him the next big thing.
17. As a society, we should adulate acts of kindness and integrity, making them our guiding principles.
18. She would adulate her grandmother whenever she visited, as she deeply admired her strength and wisdom.
19. The book club members would often adulate the authors they were reading, eager to discuss the elements they admired.
20. Many people adulate their heroes without understanding the hard work and sacrifices that made them who they are.