English vocabulary · C2
Sycophant
/ˈsɪk.ə.fænt/ · n.
A sycophant praises a person with power to get something. The praise is false, but the person hopes it will bring money or help.
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Example sentences
- A sycophant praised burnt bread.
- Sam played sycophant for cash.
Word origin and roots
from Greek
- sykophantes — informer (from Greek)
Synonyms and nuances
- FLATTERER — someone giving too much praise (Praise to please)
- YES-MAN — someone who agrees with a boss (Always agree)
- BOOTLICKER — someone pleasing the powerful (Praise for gain)
Similar words
- flatterer
- yes-man
- bootlicker
- toady
- brownnoser
Lesson notes
A sycophant praises a person with power to get something. The praise is false, but the person hopes it will bring money or help.
Related: flatterer, yes-man, bootlicker. Use sycophant when praise seeks gain.
A sycophant praised burnt bread. Sam played sycophant for cash.
From Greek. sykophantes- means informer. A false informer seeks gain, like a sycophant who gives praise.