Sycophantic

Pronunciation: /ˌsɪk.əˈfæn.tɪk/

Definitions of sycophantic

adjective Sycophantic is an adjective that describes someone who acts obsequiously towards someone important in order to gain advantage.

Example Sentences

A1 She always agrees with the boss, being sycophantic.

A2 The sycophantic behavior of the employee was obvious to everyone.

B1 The politician surrounded himself with sycophantic advisors.

B2 The sycophantic praise from his colleagues made him uncomfortable.

C1 The author's sycophantic attitude towards critics was evident in his latest book.

C2 Her sycophantic behavior towards the celebrity was seen as insincere by many.

Examples of sycophantic in a Sentence

formal The sycophantic behavior of the employees towards the boss was quite evident during the meeting.

informal I can't stand that sycophantic guy who always agrees with everything the boss says.

slang Stop being so sycophantic, it's annoying.

figurative Her sycophantic attitude towards the popular kids in school was like a moth to a flame.

Grammatical Forms of sycophantic

• past tense: sycophanted
• plural: sycophantics
• comparative: more sycophantic
• superlative: most sycophantic
• present tense: sycophants
• future tense: will sycophant
• perfect tense: have sycophanted
• continuous tense: is sycophanting
• singular: sycophantic
• positive degree: sycophantic
• infinitive: to sycophant
• gerund: sycophanting
• participle: sycophanted

Origin and Evolution of sycophantic

First Known Use: 1575 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'sycophantic' originates from ancient Greece, where 'sykophantes' referred to informers or accusers who made false accusations for personal gain.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'sycophantic' has evolved to describe someone who excessively flatters or ingratiates themselves to gain favor or advantage.