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sycophancy


Meanings
  • noun

    Excessive and obsequious flattery or adulation.


Rhymes
Words rhyming with sycophancy
antiphony , anapody , aphony , bonny , conny , droning , phony , sonnet
Variants
List of all variants of sycophancy that leads to same result
sycophancies , sycophancy
Etymology
origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

From the Greek word 'sycophantēs', meaning 'slanderer, informer, or accuser'. Originally, a sycophant was someone who brought a false accusation against another person in exchange for a reward.


Trivia
Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word
  1. The term 'sycophant' first appeared in English in the 15th century.

  2. Sycophancy is a common theme in many works of literature, including Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' and Voltaire's 'Candide'.


Related Concepts
informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to
  1. Flattery: Excessive and insincere praise or admiration.

  2. Obsequiousness: Excessive and servile respect or obedience.

  3. Slander: A false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.


Culture
Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

Sycophancy is often portrayed negatively in literature and art, as it is seen as insincere and manipulative. It can be found in various forms throughout history, such as in ancient Greece, where sycophants were professional informers and slanderers, and in modern times, where it can refer to excessive flattery or fawning.

How to Memorize "sycophancy"

  1. visualize

    - Imagine a person excessively flattering another person, with a servile and obsequious attitude, in order to gain favor or influence.

  2. associate

    - Associate the word 'sycophancy' with insincere flattery or excessive adulation.

  3. mnemonics

    - Remember the Greek origin of the word, 'sycophantēs', to help remember the meaning.


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