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adj

fawning

faw-nihng

Fawning (adj) means Excessively flattering or servile in trying to win approval. Example: “The critics gave the film a fawning, uncritical review.”

adj
1
Excessively flattering or servile in trying to win approval.
"The critics gave the film a fawning, uncritical review."
"His fawning attitude toward the boss annoyed his coworkers."

How to use fawning

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOverly flattering or eager to please, in a way that seems insincere or servile.

When to use it

Almost always used disapprovingly.

Common pairings
fawning praise fawning admirer fawning tone

Word forms

fawnings plural

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The critics gave the film a _____, uncritical review.

Rhymes for fawning

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Frequently asked questions

What does “fawning” mean?

The word “fawning” means excessively flattering or servile in trying to win approval. In plain terms, overly flattering or eager to please, in a way that seems insincere or servile.

How do you pronounce “fawning”?

“Fawning” is pronounced faw-nihng (/fɔnɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “fawning” in a sentence?

Here is “fawning” used in a sentence: “The critics gave the film a fawning, uncritical review.”

What part of speech is “fawning”?

“Fawning” is an adjective.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial