Unctuous

Pronunciation: /ˈʌŋkʧuəs/

Definitions of unctuous

adjective having a greasy or oily quality

Example Sentences

A1 The baby's skin felt unctuous after applying lotion.

A2 The chef used unctuous ingredients to make the sauce extra rich.

B1 The politician's unctuous speech failed to convince the audience.

B2 The salesman's unctuous manner made customers wary of his intentions.

C1 Her unctuous behavior towards her superiors was seen as insincere by her colleagues.

C2 The author's writing style was criticized for being overly flowery and unctuous.

Examples of unctuous in a Sentence

formal The politician's unctuous speech failed to convince the audience of his sincerity.

informal I can't stand how unctuous she acts around important people.

slang He's so unctuous, always trying to butter up the boss.

figurative Her unctuous smile hid a deeper sense of betrayal.

Grammatical Forms of unctuous

• past tense: unctuoused
• plural: unctuouses
• comparative: more unctuous
• superlative: most unctuous
• present tense: is unctuous
• future tense: will be unctuous
• perfect tense: has been unctuous
• continuous tense: is being unctuous
• singular: unctuous
• positive degree: unctuous
• infinitive: to be unctuous
• gerund: unctuousing
• participle: unctuoused

Origin and Evolution of unctuous

First Known Use: 0015 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'unctuous' originated from the Latin word 'unctuōsus', which is derived from 'unguere' meaning 'to anoint' or 'to smear with oil'.

Evolution of the word: Originally, 'unctuous' was used to describe something oily or greasy. Over time, the meaning evolved to also include someone who is excessively flattering or insincere in speech or behavior.