VocabDictionary

fulsome

/หˆfสŠl.sษ™m/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Complimentary or flattering to an excessive or disgusting degree.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe politician was embarrassed by the fulsome praise heaped upon him by his sycophantic supporters.โ€
  • โ€œShe grew tired of his fulsome apologies, which felt more like a performance than genuine remorse.โ€
2.adjective

Of a large size or quantity; generous or abundant (often used in a neutral or positive sense, though this usage is sometimes criticized by prescriptivists).

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe report provided a fulsome account of the company's financial history.โ€
  • โ€œHe offered a fulsome explanation for his absence, leaving no detail out.โ€
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œfulsomeโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'ful' (full) + the suffix '-some' (tending to). Originally, it meant 'abundant' or 'full,' but it evolved in the 13th century to carry a negative connotation of being 'cloying,' 'excessive,' or 'disgustingly insincere,' likely due to the association of 'fullness' with overindulgence or nausea.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'full' + 'some'โ€”it is 'full' to the point of being 'some' (annoying) amount of excess.

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œfulsomeโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œfulsomeโ€ in English?

In English, fulsome (adjective) is defined as: โ€œComplimentary or flattering to an excessive or disgusting degree.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œfulsomeโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œThe politician was embarrassed by the fulsome praise heaped upon him by his sycophantic supporters.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œfulsomeโ€?

Common synonyms include:excessive,unctuous,obsequious,cloying,effusive

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œfulsomeโ€?

Derived from Middle English 'ful' (full) + the suffix '-some' (tending to). Originally, it meant 'abundant' or 'full,' but it evolved in the 13th century to carry a negative connotation of being 'cloying,' 'excessive,' or 'disgustingly insincere,' likely due to the association of 'fullness' with overindulgence or nausea.