To praise someone excessively or insincerely, usually to gain their favor or approval.
From Latin adulari, meaning 'to flatter,' possibly derived from ad- (to) and -ulari (related to diminutive forms), suggesting excessive fawning behavior. The meaning has remained consistent from ancient Rome to modern times.
Adulate comes from the same Latin root as 'adult,' but here's the twist: it has nothing to do with growing up—it's about acting fake and submissive, which ancient Romans saw as the opposite of mature behavior.
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