Gnathonical

/nəˈθɒn.ɪ.kəl/ adjective

Definition

An alternative, more archaic form of gnathonic, meaning relating to excessive or insincere flattery.

Etymology

Extended form of gnathonic with the addition of the suffix -al, a common method in older English to create longer adjectival forms with the same meaning.

Kelly Says

This word shows how English used to love adding extra suffixes to adjectives—gnathonic wasn't fancy enough, so they added -al to make it sound even more elaborate and learned!

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