Search results
- Although the earliest sense of fulsome was ‘abundant’, this is now regarded by many as incorrect; the correct meaning today is said to be ‘excessively flattering’. This gives rise to ambiguity: the possibility that while for one speaker fulsome praise will be a genuine compliment, for others it will be interpreted as an insult.
www.dailywritingtips.com/is-fulsome-a-complimentary-word/
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 ...
- Fulsome
The chief danger for the user of fulsome is ambiguity....
- Fulsome
Mar 15, 2010 · People describe praise as “fulsome” and imply no criticism. The problem is that the intended meaning of “fulsome apology” or “fulsome praise” isn’t clear. The word may be being used in a complimentary sense, or in an insulting one.
- Simon Kewin
Nov 3, 2014 · But M-W cautions that the “chief danger for the user of fulsome is ambiguity,” and unless “the context is made very clear, the reader or hearer cannot be sure whether such an expression as ‘fulsome praise’ is meant” in the sense of “abundant” or “excessive.”.
The chief danger for the user of fulsome is ambiguity. Unless the context is made very clear, the reader or hearer cannot be sure whether such an expression as "fulsome praise" is meant in sense 1b or in sense 4.
Jan 8, 2018 · In modern use fulsome can again, go either way. If the head of state gives fulsome praise or a fulsome apology to a politician, it’s now almost impossible to tell if that’s a good or a bad thing. Best advice? Steer clear of fulsome until the meaning settles because using it is bound to cause confusion. Until next time I wish you a fulsome ...
However, the word is still often used in its original sense of ‘abundant’, especially in sentences such as ‘she was fulsome in her praise for the people who organized it’, and this use can give rise to ambiguity: for one speaker, fulsome praise may be a genuine compliment, whereas for others it will be interpreted as an insult
People also ask
Is 'fulsome praise' ambiguity?
What is the danger of fulsome praise?
What does fulsome praise mean?
Is fulsome a compliment?
Why is fulsome a Troublesome Word?
Is “foulsome” a bad word?
Dec 12, 2019 · This slippery word has distinct, sometimes contradictory meanings. By Melissa Mohr Correspondent. Updated Jan. 16, 2020, 1:58 p.m. ET. Should you bask in “fulsome praise” or shun it? When a...
