adulate
C2 (Very low frequency)formal/literary
Definition
Meaning
to praise or admire excessively or obsequiously
to flatter or worship someone with excessive devotion, often insincerely
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Usually carries negative connotations of insincere, excessive, or servile flattery. Implies imbalance in power or status between the adulator and the object of adulation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between UK and US English.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British literary/academic contexts, but equally understood in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties; primarily found in formal writing and educated speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] adulates [Object][Subject] is adulated by [Agent]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'adulate'”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might describe excessive praise of corporate leaders by subordinates seeking favour.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, sociology, or political science to discuss cults of personality or celebrity culture.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation; would sound formal or pretentious.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The tabloids continue to adulate the royal family with uncritical devotion.
- Fans would adulate the rock star as if he were a deity.
American English
- Some politicians expect the media to adulate them without question.
- The startup's employees seemed to adulate their charismatic CEO.
adverb
British English
- The crowd cheered adulatingly as the celebrity arrived.
- He spoke adulatingly of his former teacher's influence.
American English
- She gazed adulatingly at the famous author during the interview.
- They followed adulatingly behind their idol.
adjective
British English
- The adulatory press coverage made the actor uncomfortable.
- He received adulatory reviews for his latest novel.
American English
- Her adulatory biography omitted all of the subject's flaws.
- The speech was filled with adulatory remarks about the founder.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Some people adulate famous footballers.
- It's not good to adulate someone too much.
- The young recruits would adulate their commanding officer, hanging on his every word.
- In some cultures, it is customary to adulate elders with formal displays of respect.
- The dictator was adulated by state media, which portrayed him as an infallible leader.
- Critics accused the biography of adulating its subject rather than providing a balanced account.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ADULATE sounds like 'adult' + 'ate'. Imagine an adult who ATE up all the excessive praise given to them.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRAISE IS FOOD (devouring praise), SERVILITY IS PHYSICAL LOWERING (bowing/bending)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'adulterate' (фальсифицировать) или 'adult' (взрослый).
- Ближе к 'пресмыкаться', 'раболепствовать', чем к нейтральному 'восхищаться'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'adulterate' (to corrupt or make impure).
- Using in casual contexts where 'praise' or 'admire' would be appropriate.
- Misspelling as 'adulate' (correct) vs. 'adualte' or 'adulete'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'adulate' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, formal word. Most native speakers would use 'flatter excessively', 'praise too much', or 'worship' instead in everyday language.
The related noun is 'adulation' (uncountable). Example: 'The singer was weary of the constant adulation from fans.'
Rarely. It almost always carries a negative connotation of excess, insincerity, or servility. If you mean sincere, moderate praise, use 'admire', 'respect', or 'praise'.
'Flatter' can be sincere or insincere and is more common. 'Adulate' is stronger, implying worship-like devotion and is almost always seen as excessive or obsequious.