gnathonic

[na-thon-ik]

adjective

1. sycophantic; fawning.

gnathonic

/ næˈθɒnɪk /

adjective

1. literary,  deceitfully flattering; sycophantic

Other Word Forms

• gnathonically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of gnathonic¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin gnathōnicus, derivative of Gnathōn- (stem of Gnathō ) name of a sycophantic character in the Roman comedy Eunuchus by Terence; -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of gnathonic¹

C17: from Latin gnathōnicus, from Gnathō, such a character in the Eunuchus, Roman comedy by Terence

Example Sentences

Words that the contestants slipped up on included "ascetic," to describe austerity or self-denial; "blasé," to be apathetic to pleasure or excitement; and "gnathonic," to mean fawning.

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Gnathonic, -al, n�-thon′ik, -al, adj. flattering.

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"That Jack's is somewhat of a gnathonic and parasitic soul, or stomach, all Bideford apple-women know; but I suspect more than Deus Venter has brought him hither."

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