excessive flattery

USAGE SUMMARY

"excessive flattery" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where someone is overly complimentary, often to the point of insincerity. An example: "His excessive flattery made her question his true intentions." Alternative expressions include "over-the-top praise" and "insincere compliments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The O.E.D. defines its application to language and style as "offensive to good taste... from being 'over-done.' Now chiefly used in reference to gross or excessive flattery".

The New York Times - Magazine

But since finding himself in Trump's orbit, he has adopted the hyperbolic style and excessive flattery of the boss that we see in other, previously respectable members of Trump's court.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The most legendary nice kid on TV, Eddie Haskell from Leave It To Beaver, deployed flattery and excessive politeness to get the grown-ups to do his bidding, usually unsuccessfully.

Huffington Post

And flattery.

The Washington Post

Likewise flattery.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nor was it flattery.

The Economist

So flattery kicked in.

The New York Times

May tried flattery.

The Guardian - Opinion

Feedback (aka flattery).

Harvard Business Review

Least susceptible to flattery.

The Washington Post

It felt like flattery.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "excessive flattery" to describe situations where praise is exaggerated to an extreme degree, often with insincere motives. It is a stronger term than simply "flattery" and implies a manipulative intent.

Common error

Avoid using "excessive flattery" when describing sincere compliments, as it implies insincerity and potential manipulation. Ensure the context justifies the negative connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessive flattery" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "excessive" modifies the noun "flattery". It describes a specific type of flattery, emphasizing its exaggerated nature. Ludwig confirms its use in describing insincere or manipulative praise.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excessive flattery" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe praise that is exaggerated and often insincere. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Though less common, it finds its place primarily in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure that the context accurately reflects the manipulative or disingenuous nature of the flattery being described. For alternatives, consider phrases like "over-the-top adulation" or "insincere praise", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insincere praise

Highlights the lack of genuineness in the expression of admiration.

exaggerated praise

Focuses on the amplified or overstated nature of the compliments.

over-the-top adulation

Emphasizes the extreme and often ridiculous nature of the praise.

fulsome praise

Highlights the abundance and potential insincerity of the praise.

lavish compliments

Focuses on the generous and sometimes unwarranted nature of the praise.

extravagant compliments

Emphasizes the excessive and unrestrained nature of the praise.

gross exaggeration of praise

Directly points out the inflated and unrealistic quality of the flattery.

sickly-sweet compliments

Implies that the flattery is insincere and possibly manipulative.

obsequious compliments

Highlights the submissive and fawning nature of the flattery.

unctuous praise

Suggests that the praise is excessively smooth and insincere.

FAQs

How can I use "excessive flattery" in a sentence?

You can use "excessive flattery" to describe situations where someone is being overly complimentary, often insincerely. For example, "His excessive flattery made her suspicious of his motives."

What's the difference between flattery and "excessive flattery"?

While flattery involves complimenting someone, "excessive flattery" implies that the praise is exaggerated to the point of being insincere or manipulative. It suggests a hidden agenda or ulterior motive.

What are some synonyms for "excessive flattery"?

Some synonyms for "excessive flattery" include "over-the-top adulation", "insincere praise", and "fulsome praise".

When is it appropriate to use the term "excessive flattery"?

It's appropriate to use "excessive flattery" when describing situations where someone is being overly complimentary in a way that seems disingenuous or manipulative. This usually implies the person has a selfish reason for providing the flattery.