FAWNING Definition & Meaning

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fawning

[faw-ning]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

seeking favor by flattery or a servile way of behaving.
The billionaire’s donation earned him a fawning front-page news story in the Globe and Mail.
This detailed and favorable book review is not a fawning endorsement, as the reviewer takes the author to task on several points.

noun

the act or practice of seeking favor by flattery or a servile way of behaving.
On the second-last night of the cruise, we witnessed the fawning of the ship’s wait staff as they jockeyed for a healthy tip.

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

fawningly adverb
fawningness noun

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of fawning¹

First recorded in 1325–75; fawn ² + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective; fawn ² + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Sir Keir has approached his dealings with the US president with a warmth critics have seen as fawning.

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"All I could see on the surface was all these people fawning over him. It was extremely humiliating and embarrassing."

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It was seen by some diplomats as the quid pro quo for the diplomatic fawning and investment deals Trump received in Riyadh.

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Reporters on the red carpet couldn’t stop fawning over Brody during interviews, to the point where he had to step in and attempt to make things less awkward.

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Diehard patriots who betray their country; anti-elitists who worship billionaires; cold-eyed realists living in a fantasy world; rugged individualists fawning over their divine emperor; affirmers of life who embrace death.

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Related 51�Թ�s

flattering��

fawn fawn lily

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