Definition

The act of flattering someone excessively in order to gain favor or advantage, often in a servile manner.

Example

His sycophancy towards the boss was obvious, as he constantly praised her decisions, no matter how poor they were.

Conversation

Have you noticed how some people use sycophancy to get ahead at work?

Yeah, it's kind of sad to watch, isn't it?

I can’t believe how much flattery they dish out just to impress the boss.

Right? It makes me appreciate genuine interactions even more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sycophancy → It is formed from "sycophant" (from Greek "sykophantēs", meaning informer or accuser) and the suffix "-y" (meaning a state or condition). The word "sycophancy" refers to the state of being a sycophant, often implying servile flattery or self-serving behavior.

Memory Tip

Think of a sycophant as someone who is an 'informer' ('sykophantēs') and the '-y' indicates a state. This helps you remember that sycophancy is the state of being overly flattering or servile.

Visually Confused Words