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adjective. foul· some. ˈfü (l)səm. chiefly Scottish. : disgusting, fulsome. Word History. Etymology. Middle English foulsom, alteration (influenced by foul) of fulsom fulsome. Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
The word has both positive and negative meanings, so context is key. Fulsome is a troublesome word. And it's also a word that represents the rare case in which dictionaries have made the word’s meaning more confusing rather than more clear.
Jul 3, 2024 · foulsome (comparative more foulsome, superlative most foulsome) Characterised or marked by foulness or filth; filthy; (by extension) wretched.
As adjectives the difference between fulsome and foulsome is that fulsome is offensive to good taste, tactless, overzealous, excessive while foulsome is...
Definitions of 'fulsome'. If you describe expressions of praise, apology, or gratitude as fulsome, you disapprove of them because they are exaggerated and elaborate, so that they sound insincere. [disapproval] [...] More.
foulsome ( English) Origin & history. From Middle English foulsom, fulsom, folsum, equivalent to foul + -some. Cognate with Scots fowsum. Adjective. foulsome ( comparative more foulsome, superlative most foulsome) Marked by foulness or filth; filthy; ( by extension) wretched. 1983, Ben Bova, Gremlins Go Home: “Hah.
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Sep 21, 2024 · Excessively flattering or insincere: When 'fulsome' is used to describe praise or compliments that are excessive, exaggerated, or insincere, it indeed carries a negative connotation. In this context, 'fulsome' suggests that the praise is overdone and may not be entirely genuine.
