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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.

sycophancy

/ˈsɪkəfənsi/ /ˈsɪkəfənsi/

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.

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