Basic Details
Word: Fawning
Part of Speech: Adjective / Verb (present participle of "fawn")
Meaning: Displaying exaggerated flattery or affection, typically to gain favor or advantage.
Synonyms: Flattering, sycophantic, obsequious
Antonyms: Disrespectful, indifferent, assertive
Idioms and Phrases
- Fawning all over someone: Trying too hard to please or flatter someone. Example: "The intern was fawning all over the boss to get a promotion."
- Fawn on/upon someone: To praise someone excessively, often to gain favor. Example: "She disliked people who would fawn upon celebrities."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The employee's fawning attitude annoyed his coworkers.
Example 2: He kept fawning over his teacher, hoping for a better grade.
Example 3: Her fawning compliments felt insincere and forced.
Fun Fact
The word "fawn" originally comes from Old English *fagnian*, meaning to rejoice. Over time, it evolved to mean showing affection or submissiveness, especially in a way that seems insincere.
Famous Quote
"Do not be distracted by fawning praise, for it may be flattery in disguise." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "fawning" mean?
a) Walking quickly
b) Displaying excessive flattery
c) Being honest
d) Showing anger
Answer: b) Displaying excessive flattery
2. Which of these is a synonym of "fawning"?
a) Assertive
b) Flattering
c) Angry
d) Silent
Answer: b) Flattering
3. Which is an antonym of "fawning"?
a) Sycophantic
b) Indifferent
c) Obsequious
d) Submissive
Answer: b) Indifferent
4. Which sentence uses "fawning" correctly?
a) He was fawning over the delicious cake.
b) The puppy was fawning in the backyard.
c) She was fawning over her manager to gain approval.
d) They fawning to the park every morning.
Answer: c) She was fawning over her manager to gain approval.
5. What does the phrase "fawning all over someone" imply?
a) Ignoring someone
b) Being rude
c) Praising someone excessively
d) Fighting with someone
Answer: c) Praising someone excessively
