Sycophancy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Sycophancy is the act of excessively flattering or obeying someone in authority to gain favor. It often involves insincere praise and fawning behavior for personal advantage.
Definition:
Obsequious flattery or servile behavior to gain advantage from someone powerful.
Synonyms:
flattery, obsequiousness, fawning, toadying
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
independence, defiance
Common Collocations:
political sycophancy, blatant sycophancy, sycophancy toward authority
Derivatives:
sycophant, sycophantic, sycophantically
Usage Tips:
Use "sycophancy" to describe excessive flattery aimed at gaining favor, often in professional or political contexts.
Common Phrases:
"flattery will get you nowhere, " "brown-nosing, " "kissing up"
Etymology:
From Greek "sykophantia," meaning false accusation or servility, derived from "sykon" (fig) and "phainein" (to show).
Examples:
- 1. His sycophancy toward the boss earned him quick promotions but no respect.
- 2. The politician dismissed the reporter's sycophancy as insincere praise.
- 3. Her constant sycophancy made her unpopular among her peers.
- 4. The CEO saw through the employee's sycophancy and demanded honest feedback instead.