fulsome

/'fulsəm/

Thân thiện

The speaker's fulsome praise made the audience uncomfortable.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Excessively flattering or insincere to the point of being offensive: Describes praise, compliments, or behavior that is so exaggerated and effusive that it becomes distasteful, unpleasant, or even disgusting. It implies a lack of genuineness and an attempt to gain favor through over-the-top admiration.

Usage

• Typical Contexts: The word "fulsome" is almost exclusively used to describe expressions of praise, gratitude, apology, or admiration that are perceived as excessive, insincere, and cloying. It carries a strongly negative connotation.
• Common Collocations: It most frequently modifies nouns like , , , , , and .

Examples

• The CEO's fulsome praise for the outgoing manager was seen by many as an attempt to hide their past disagreements.
• I was embarrassed by the fulsome introduction; it made my modest achievements sound like world-changing events.
• Her letter contained fulsome apologies that seemed more designed to elicit sympathy than to express genuine remorse.
• The reviewer's fulsome endorsement of the mediocre film made readers question his credibility.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Literary Note: Historically, "fulsome" could mean "abundant" or "copious" in a neutral or even positive sense (e.g., ). However, in modern standard English, this usage is archaic and often considered incorrect. The dominant and correct contemporary meaning is "offensively excessive."
• "Fulsome praise": This is the most common and classic phrase. It does not mean "full praise" or "generous praise." It specifically means praise that is so overdone it becomes nauseating or insincere.
  • The diplomat offered fulsome praise for the host country's policies, which many interpreted as mere diplomatic protocol.

Variants and Related Words

• Fulsomely (adverb): In an excessively flattering or insincere manner.
  • He thanked his benefactor fulsomely, listing every minor favor in detail.
• Fulsomeness (noun): The quality of being offensively excessive or insincere.
  • The fulsomeness of the tribute made the honoree uncomfortable.

Synonyms

• Unctuous: Excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily.
• Oleaginous: Smarmy and obsequious (literally, oily).
• Smarmy: Ingratiating and wheedling in a way that is perceived as insincere.
• Cloying: So sweet or sentimental as to be disgusting.
• Sycophantic: Behaving or done in an obsequious way to gain advantage.
• Effusive (can be neutral or negative; context-dependent): Expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained, heartfelt, or manner.

Antonyms

• Understated: Presented or expressed in a subtle and effective way.
• Restrained: Characterized by reserve or moderation.
• Genuine: Truly what something is said to be; authentic.
• Laconic: Using very few words.
• Faint: (Of praise) lacking strength or conviction; tepid.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "A fulsome apology": An apology that is so profuse and elaborate it may seem insincere or theatrical.
  • After the scandal, the politician issued a fulsome apology that failed to convince the public.
• "Fulsome flattery": Excessive and insincere compliments.
  • She saw through his fulsome flattery and knew he just wanted a favor.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech
   • buttery praise
   • gave him a fulsome introduction
   • an oily sycophantic press agent
   • oleaginous hypocrisy
   • smarmy self-importance
   • the unctuous Uriah Heep
   • soapy compliments

Từ đồng nghĩa

• buttery
• oily
• oleaginous
• smarmy
• soapy
• unctuous