Transcription
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [uhngk-choo-uh s]
- /ˈʌŋk tʃu əs/
- /ˈʌŋk.tju.əs/
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [uhngk-choo-uh s]
- /ˈʌŋk tʃu əs/
Definitions of unctuous word
- adjective unctuous characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, especially in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug. 2
- adjective unctuous of the nature of or characteristic of an unguent or ointment; oily; greasy. 1
- adjective unctuous having an oily or soapy feel, as certain minerals. 1
- adjective unctuous oily 1
- adjective unctuous person: smarmy 1
- adjective unctuous If you describe someone as unctuous, you are critical of them because they seem to be full of praise, kindness, or interest, but are obviously insincere. 0
Information block about the term
Origin of unctuous
First appearance:
before 1350 One of the 20% oldest English words
1350-1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin ūnctuōsus, equivalent to Latin ūnctu(s) act of anointing (ung(uere) to smear, anoint + -tus suffix of v. action) + -ōsus -ous
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Unctuous
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
unctuous popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 91% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.
unctuous usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for unctuous
adj unctuous
- adipose — of, resembling, or containing fat; fatty
- adulatory — If someone makes an adulatory comment about someone, they praise them and show their admiration of them.
- approbative — showing approbation or approval
- bland — If you describe someone or something as bland, you mean that they are rather dull and unexciting.
- blubbery — of, containing, or like blubber; fat
noun unctuous
- bad faith — intention to deceive; treachery or dishonesty (esp in the phrase in bad faith)
- cajolery — persuasion by flattery or promises; wheedling; coaxing.
- dissimulation — the act of dissimulating; feigning; hypocrisy.
- flattery — the act of flattering.
- flummery — oatmeal or flour boiled with water until thick.
adjective unctuous
- adipocerous — Like adipocere.
- encomiastic — Of or relating to an encomiast.
- encomiastical — Alternative form of encomiastic.
- eulogistic — Of, pertaining to, or in the form of a eulogy.
- fatlike — Resembling fat (the chemical substance) or some aspect of it.
adverb unctuous
- obsequiously — characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning: an obsequious bow.
Top questions with unctuous
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See also
Matching words
- Words starting with u
- Words starting with un
- Words starting with unc
- Words starting with unct
- Words starting with unctu
- Words starting with unctuo
- Words starting with unctuou
- Words starting with unctuous