Search results
Even though full is usually a positive word, fulsome can have pejorative connotations in phrases like "fulsome praise," where it is often taken to mean “effusive, excessive, or insincere praise.” A phrase like "a fulsome apology" is likely to be ambiguous: some may think it means "a complete apology," while others may think it means "an ...
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.
May 15, 2017 · This narrower application of the word has become its sole meaning for many educated speakers, to the point where a large majority of the Usage Panel disapproves of the use of fulsome to mean simply “full” or “copious.”
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.
Sep 21, 2024 · When 'fulsome' is used in the sense of excessive flattery or insincerity, it carries a negative connotation. For example: The new employee's fulsome praise of the boss seemed insincere and over-the-top.
Fulsome. Two of the traditional senses of fulsome are (1) offensively, excessively flattering, and (2) excessive in a distasteful way. In both these senses, the adjective is usually negative. A fulsome piece of music, for instance, might be one that is overloud and too busy-sounding.
People also ask
Why do you disapprove of a fulsome expression?
Is fulsome a negative word?
Why is fulsome a Troublesome Word?
What does fulsome praise mean?
What does fulsome mean in a sentence?
What does disapproval mean?
Fulsome has moved away from its original meaning of “loathsome” and now refers to flattery that is excessive and insincere. Eugenia’s fulsome praise of my baking skills led me to think she was about to ask me for a donation to the bake sale. Fulsome should not be used to mean “full” or “profuse.”