Search results
- Dictionaryunctuous/ˈʌŋ(k)tjʊəs/
adjective
- 1. excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily: "he seemed anxious to please but not in an unctuous way"
- 2. (chiefly of minerals) having a greasy or soapy feel.
Powered by Oxford Dictionaries
UNCTUOUS definition: 1. Unctuous people or behaviour expresses too much praise, interest, friendliness, etc., in a way…. Learn more.
The meaning of UNCTUOUS is having, revealing, or marked by a smug, ingratiating, and false earnestness or spirituality. How to use unctuous in a sentence. Is unctuous positive or negative?
If you describe someone as unctuous, you are critical of them because they seem to be full of praise, kindness, or interest, but are obviously insincere. ...the kind of unctuous tone that I've heard often at diplomatic parties. If you describe food or drink as unctuous, you mean that it is creamy or oily.
When a person is unctuous, you can't trust their kindness, because they usually want something in return. Interestingly, unctuous is derived from the Latin unctus which means "anointed with oil," which is where the oily connotation comes from.
friendly or giving praise in a way that is not sincere and that is therefore unpleasant. Definition of unctuous adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
UNCTUOUS meaning: 1. Unctuous people or behaviour expresses too much praise, interest, friendliness, etc., in a way…. Learn more.
1. characterized by affected earnestness or moralistic fervor; excessively suave or smug. 2. characteristic of an unguent or ointment; oily; greasy. 3. having an oily or soapy feel, as certain minerals. unc′tu•ous•ness, n.
What does the adjective unctuous mean? There are nine meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective unctuous. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. unctuous has developed meanings and uses in subjects including. OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions.
Discover everything about the word "UNCTUOUS" in English: meanings, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one comprehensive guide.
If you describe someone as unctuous, you are critical of them because they seem to be full of praise, kindness, or interest, but are obviously insincere. [ formal , disapproval ] ...the kind of unctuous tone that I've heard often at diplomatic parties.