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sycophantic

/sɪkəˈfæntɪk/

Meanings
  • adjective, noun

    A person who acts obsequiously towards someone important in order to gain advantage.

    - "His sycophantic behavior towards the boss did not go unnoticed."
    - "The sycophantic courtiers flattered the king to gain his favor."

Rhymes
Words rhyming with sycophantic
anemic , hypnotic , photic
Variants
List of all variants of sycophantic that leads to same result
sycophantic , sycophantically
Etymology
origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

From the Greek word 'sycophantēs', meaning 'slanderer' or 'accuser'. Originally, a sycophant was someone who brought false accusations against others for personal gain.


Trivia
Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word
  1. The word 'sycophant' is often used in a negative context, but it can also be used in a positive way to describe someone who is excessively loyal or devoted to someone else.

  2. In ancient Greece, sycophants were often paid by accusers to bring false charges against their targets.

  3. The word 'sycophant' is derived from the Greek word 'sykos', which means 'fig'. The ancient Greeks believed that fig trees produced sycophants, as they were thought to be full of sweetness on the outside but bitter on the inside.


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: Flattery is a form of sycophantic behavior, but it is not limited to it. Flattery can take many forms and can be used for various reasons, not just to gain favor or advantage.

  2. Servile: Servile behavior is similar to sycophantic behavior, but it is not necessarily limited to interpersonal relationships. A servile person may be excessively obedient or submissive to authority figures, regardless of the context.


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.

In literature, sycophantic characters often appear in works that explore power dynamics and human nature. For example, Shakespeare's Iago in 'Othello' is a classic example of a sycophant.

How to Memorize "sycophantic"

  1. visualize

    - Imagine a person bowing and scraping excessively before someone in a position of power. Visualize this scene in detail, focusing on the posture, facial expressions, and body language of both the sycophant and the person they are trying to impress.

  2. associate

    - Associate the word 'sycophant' with the image of a toadying courtier or a flattering sycophant in a painting or a novel. Make a mental connection between the word and this image.

  3. mnemonics

    - Create a mnemonic by associating the word 'sycophant' with the phrase 'Sucking Up To People And Needing Attention'. This acronym can help you remember the meaning of the word.


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