adulate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
adulate Word Meanings
- to praise excessively
- to flatter someone to gain favor
- to show exaggerated affection
adulate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
adulate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈædʒʊleɪt/
US
/ˈædʒʊleɪt/
adulate Word Etymology
Root: 'ad-' (to) + 'ulatus' (past participle of 'ulāre' meaning to 'praise'). Historical origin: Latin → Old French → English. Memory image: Imagine a grand ceremony where one person is showered with tremendous praise, almost to the point of embarrassment—this exaggerated admiration is what it feels like to adulate.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Adulate is a verb meaning to praise excessively or to flatter someone in order to gain favor. It signals insincerity, because the praise is aimed at manipulating a person or winning a benefit rather than expressing genuine admiration. People who adulate others often emphasize their superiority, shower compliments, and agree with every opinion to secure approval. The noun form adulation refers to this inflated, admiring behavior as a whole. In everyday English you can use adulate critically: 'The advisor was unhappy with how the team adulated the investor.' The word carries a negative connotation and is more harsh than simply 'praise' or 'flatter.'
Usage Reminders
- 1) Adulate is stronger and more negative than flatter.
- 2) Often about people seeking favors or power.
- 3) Not the same as genuine admiration; it implies manipulation.
- 4) Use adulation in critical or humorous contexts.
- 5) Remember the noun adulation and the related form adulator.
- 6) Pair with contexts like business, politics, or performance reviews.
Common Misconceptions
- Mistaking adulate for simply admiring someone; it's harsher and insincere.
- Confusing with worship or devotion; adulation is not reverent in a religious sense.
- Thinking adulate is a casual compliment; it usually marks manipulation.
- Overusing adulate in everyday speech sounds pretentious.
- Misplacing adulate with ‘praise’ in neutral contexts can mute the criticism.
Thinking Differences
Adulation in English signals a deliberately excessive, often hypocritical praise, and learners tend to over- or under-use it depending on whether they equate it with simple admiration or with flattery aimed at gain.
Learning Tips
- Compare adulate with flatter and adulation to see tone differences.
- Look for contexts in politics, business, or media where flattery is suspected.
- Practice replacing adulate with neutral praise to feel contrast.
- Note collocations like 'adulate someone for' and 'avoid adulation.'
- Read critiques or editorials that use adulation to describe behavior.
- Use thesaurus to recognize stronger synonyms like 'flatter' vs 'adulate.'
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'adulate'?
A.To criticize harshly
B.To show excessive admiration or devotion
C.To ignore someone completely
D.To challenge someone's thoughts
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct usage of 'adulate' in a sentence.
A.The critics adulate the film for its stunning visuals.
B.She adulates everyone she meets with her honest opinions.
C.He decided to adulate his mistakes in front of his peers.
D.Friends often adulate each other to ensure honesty.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'adulate'?
A.Doubt
B.Ignore
C.Praise
D.Criticize
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'adulate'?
A.Disparage
B.Compliment
C.Encourage
D.Admire
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might adulate another person?
A.A fan cheers for their favorite artist during a concert.
B.A manager praises an employee for their hard work.
C.A teacher grades an exam.
D.A friend makes fun of another friend's mistakes.
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App