fawning

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'fawning' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is excessively and obsequiously eager to please. For example: "He tried to curry favor by engaging in fawning behavior towards his boss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not fawning – showing the humour and brilliance of the man".

The Guardian

There's a similar lack of curiosity in the public arena into the recent career of Australian counter-insurgency figure David Kilcullen, offered fawning profiles in the press celebrating his apparent skills in defeating insurgencies in Iraq and Afghanistan while working for the Pentagon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Brat also received invaluable free ad time thanks to fawning campaign profiles from the likes of Mark Levin, Laura Ingraham, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck, who receive funding from the Koch brothers and other Tea Party groups.

The Guardian - Opinion

ABAYA-clad women swoon over his photo on their smartphones; journalists garland every mention of him with fawning adjectives; diplomats scramble to relay titbits about him to their capitals.

The Economist

Britain's middle-market newspapers are alternately fawning (over the baby) and appalled at his new mother, speculating gleefully that, if Mr and Mrs Ritchie have breached English law, they could be jailed.From a public-relations point of view, baby David's new parents have two things working against them.

The Economist

Presidential authority also benefits from France's relatively weak and often fawning media.This has several undesirable consequences.

The Economist

He ended a prolonged feud with the BBC, in which he refused to speak to them, just in time for the Beeb to broadcast some fawning reports of his triumphant career.Still, being scary and difficult is now in vogue again as a management style, not just in sport but in business.

The Economist

Now, being the Mail, this is not your classic appeal to class war: the tabloid rather likes real toffs (or even fictional ones, such as the lords and ladies from the television series Downton Abbey, which has generated page after page of fawning coverage in the Mail).

The Economist

The company broadcast soap operas starring his future wife and gave him fawning coverage in the campaign.

The Economist

Last year Chongqing's fawning media ascribed a woman's recovery from severe depression to her singing Mao-vintage songs.The campaign has drawn plenty of attention.

The Economist

Dogs have an embarrassing habit of fawning on intruders.In this section Back into the fray Rowed scholars Crime and consequences On your mark Not worth nicking London calling Help the homeless!

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fawning" when you want to describe behavior that is excessively flattering and insincere, often done to gain favor or advantage. Be mindful of the negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "fawning" to describe sincere expressions of gratitude or admiration. Ensure the context clearly indicates insincerity or ulterior motives to justify its use.

Linguistic Context

The term "fawning" primarily functions as a verb or adjective, describing the act of displaying exaggerated flattery and affection, often to gain favor or advantage. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fawning" describes excessively flattering and insincere behavior, typically motivated by a desire to gain favor or manipulate someone. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and frequently employed, particularly within News & Media contexts, often carrying a negative connotation. While synonymous with terms like "obsequious" and "servile", it's crucial to distinguish "fawning" from genuine expressions of admiration. When writing, ensure the context clearly suggests insincerity to justify its use. Using "fawning" is generally a very direct way to criticize insincere, manipulative behavior by someone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obsequiously flattering

Combines the ideas of servility and excessive flattery.

obsequious

Focuses on the excessively compliant and subservient aspect.

displaying servile flattery

Highlights the outward show of submissive praise.

flattering excessively

Directly describes the act of giving too much flattery.

sycophantic

Highlights the self-seeking nature of the flattery.

servile

Emphasizes the submissive and slavish nature of the behavior.

ingratiating

Focuses on the attempt to gain approval or favor.

toadying

Suggests a more active and deliberate attempt to gain favor.

kowtowing

Implies a deferential and submissive attitude.

bootlicking

A more informal and derogatory term for excessive flattery.

FAQs

How can I use "fawning" in a sentence?

"Fawning" describes behavior that is excessively flattering and obsequious. For example: "The employee's "fawning attention" towards the manager was obvious to everyone."

What are some synonyms for "fawning"?

Synonyms for "fawning" include "obsequious", "servile", "sycophantic", and "toadying". Each word carries slightly different connotations of insincerity and subservience.

Is "fawning" a positive or negative term?

"Fawning" is generally a negative term. It implies insincerity and suggests that someone is being overly flattering to gain favor or manipulate a situation.

What is the difference between "fawning" and simply being polite?

Being polite involves showing respect and consideration, while "fawning" involves excessive flattery and obsequiousness, often with ulterior motives. Politeness is genuine, whereas "fawning behavior" is insincere and manipulative.