adulation
What does "adulation" mean?
Adulation refers to excessive or insincere praise and admiration. Imagine someone being treated like royalty, with people showering them with compliments that feel a bit too eager or staged, often to gain favor or show devotion. It is typically used in formal or literary contexts to describe a power dynamic where one person is placed on a pedestal. Unlike genuine appreciation, adulation often carries a subtle hint of servility or obsession, suggesting that the praise might be hyperbolic rather than earned.
"adulation" in conversation
Discussing a celebrity
The fans' adulation for that actor is honestly a bit creepy.
The fans' adulation for that actor is honestly a bit creepy.
I know, they act like he can do no wrong.
I know, they act like he can do no wrong.
Used here to describe an unhealthy, excessive level of worship from a fan base.
Office politics
Have you noticed how he constantly showers the boss with adulation?
Have you noticed how he constantly showers the boss with adulation?
It's transparent flattery, but she seems to love it.
It's transparent flattery, but she seems to love it.
Highlights the performative nature of adulation when used to climb the corporate ladder.
"adulation" in a sentence
The athlete was tired of the constant adulation from his fans.
The athlete was tired of the constant adulation from his fans.
She sought genuine friendship rather than the hollow adulation of sycophants.
She sought genuine friendship rather than the hollow adulation of sycophants.
The dictator thrived on the manufactured adulation of a populace coerced into public displays of reverence.
The dictator thrived on the manufactured adulation of a populace coerced into public displays of reverence.
