Sycophancy
noun
Behavior in which someone praises powerful or rich persons too much and in a way that is not sincere, usually to get some advantages from them.
Everyone could see through his sycophancy when he praised the boss's mediocre presentation.
Often appears as...
- obvious sycophancy
- disgusting sycophancy
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
noun
Behavior in which someone praises powerful or rich persons too much and in a way that is not sincere, usually to get some advantages from them.
Everyone could see through his sycophancy when he praised the boss's mediocre presentation.
Often appears as...
- obvious sycophancy
- disgusting sycophancy
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Sycophancy has a negative feeling, implying insincerity or self-serving intent.
The journalist accused the politician's supporters of sycophancy.
Pro Tip 2/3Power Dynamics
Sycophancy often occurs in unequal power situations, such as between an employee and a boss.
She was accused of sycophancy towards the company director for a promotion.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Just Flattery
Sycophancy is about seeking benefit, not just about giving compliments.
His sycophancy was clear when he only agreed with ideas that benefited him.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Sycophancy has a negative feeling, implying insincerity or self-serving intent.
The journalist accused the politician's supporters of sycophancy.
Pro Tip 2/3Power Dynamics
Sycophancy often occurs in unequal power situations, such as between an employee and a boss.
She was accused of sycophancy towards the company director for a promotion.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Just Flattery
Sycophancy is about seeking benefit, not just about giving compliments.
His sycophancy was clear when he only agreed with ideas that benefited him.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Sycophancy has a negative feeling, implying insincerity or self-serving intent.
The journalist accused the politician's supporters of sycophancy.
Pro Tip 2/3Power Dynamics
Sycophancy often occurs in unequal power situations, such as between an employee and a boss.
She was accused of sycophancy towards the company director for a promotion.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Just Flattery
Sycophancy is about seeking benefit, not just about giving compliments.
His sycophancy was clear when he only agreed with ideas that benefited him.
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Quote examples
Ravish Kumar
A good reader or viewer is a person who is alert about her newspaper or news channel. A good reader or viewer will never waste her hard-earned money in watching or reading just anything. She is serious. She will have to think if the news she is consuming is journalism or sycophancy.
Quote examples
Robert Rinder
English Judge
The more powerful you become, the less likely it is that people will tell you the truth. It must be why the 'Harry Potter' books become so bloated as the series progresses; think of the beautiful, precise editing of books 1-3 drowned in a mire of sycophancy and yea-saying.
Quote examples
Claire Fox
British Writer
European civil society and NGOs that petition for favours and influence for their special interests are often themselves funded from E.U. coffers. This creates a system of patronage that encourages self-reinforcing group-think and a cloying sycophancy.
Quote examples
Vivek Agnihotri
Indian Director
Rahul Gandhi himself doesn't have any vision or the political acumen to be able to differentiate between sycophancy and sincere advice.
Quote examples
Ravish Kumar
A good reader or viewer is a person who is alert about her newspaper or news channel. A good reader or viewer will never waste her hard-earned money in watching or reading just anything. She is serious. She will have to think if the news she is consuming is journalism or sycophancy.
Quote examples
Robert Rinder
English Judge
The more powerful you become, the less likely it is that people will tell you the truth. It must be why the 'Harry Potter' books become so bloated as the series progresses; think of the beautiful, precise editing of books 1-3 drowned in a mire of sycophancy and yea-saying.
Quote examples
Claire Fox
British Writer
European civil society and NGOs that petition for favours and influence for their special interests are often themselves funded from E.U. coffers. This creates a system of patronage that encourages self-reinforcing group-think and a cloying sycophancy.
Quote examples
Vivek Agnihotri
Indian Director
Rahul Gandhi himself doesn't have any vision or the political acumen to be able to differentiate between sycophancy and sincere advice.
Example 1 of 4
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