adulation - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
adulation Word Meanings
- excessive praise or flattery
- admiration that is overly enthusiastic
- a strong, often insincere, tribute
adulation Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
adulation Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌædʒʊˈleɪʃən/
US
/ˌædʒʊˈleɪʃən/
adulation Word Etymology
adulation = ad- (to) + ulare (to praise) → Latin 'adulatio' → Old French 'adulacion' → English. Picture someone kneeling and showering compliments to gain favor, akin to a dog affectionately licking its owner’s hand.
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
Adulation refers to excessive praise or flattery, often offered to gain favor or advance one's position. In everyday speech you might describe a celebrity's fans as showering adulation, or say a manager shows adulation in a way that feels insincere. The word carries a sense of intensity and theatricality, and it’s more about quantity and intensity of praise than genuine appreciation. In formal writing you may contrast it with sincere admiration or valid criticism, noting when praise crosses into obsequious or inappropriate behavior. Adulation is usually uncountable in English, though you can refer to adulations in rare, literary usage.
Usage Reminders
- - Adulation = uncountable in most cases; avoid plural form in normal use.
- - Watch for sentiment: insincere praise often signals manipulation.
- - Compare with admiration (genuine) and flattery (often self-serving).
- - Use in formal contexts to critique spectacle or hypocrisy.
- - Pair with verbs like show, shower, or heap to describe the extent of praise.
Common Misconceptions
- Adulation always means genuine approval, not just praise.
- It cannot refer to polite compliments in everyday conversation.
- Adulation is never used to describe criticism or negative feedback.
- The word only appears in formal or literary contexts.
- Adulation is a common, neutral term for praise.
Thinking Differences
English tends to distinguish subtle shades: adulation suggests insincere, excessive praise; learners often confuse it with genuine admiration or polite compliments.
Learning Tips
- Note the uncountable noun usage and proper collocations.
- Differentiate adulation from genuine admiration.
- Watch for context indicating manipulation or insincerity.
- Practice with formal writing to critique exaggerated praise.
- Compare with flattery and sycophancy to understand nuance.
- Learn related nouns: adulate (verb) and adulator (person).
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'adulation'?
A.Praise
B.Jump
C.Sleep
D.Eat
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'adulation' correctly?
A.He adulation the gift from his friend.
B.She received adulation for her hard work.
C.Let's adulation to the park.
D.The cat adulation in the garden.
Step 3: Similar Words
Choose the synonym for 'adulation':
A.Criticism
B.Worship
C.Indifference
D.Avoidance
Step 4: Opposite Words
Choose the opposite of 'adulation':
A.Respect
B.Admiration
C.Reverence
D.Censure
Step 5: Mastery
How would you describe 'adulation' in a real-life context?
A.Watching a movie
B.Eating delicious food
C.Sleeping peacefully
D.Receiving excessive praise and admiration
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