adj
fulsome
Fulsome (adj) means Excessive and tasteless, going further than good manners allow.
adj
1
Excessive and tasteless, going further than good manners allow.
2
Praising someone so heavily that it sounds insincere.
3
Generous and plentiful in amount.
"The fulsome thanks of the war-torn nation lifted our weary spirits."
"These extra services before Christmas Day were in addition to fulsome train facilities on the day, with many companies running a Sunday service."
— David Turner, The Edwardian Christmas getaway (2022)
4
Fully grown or developed.
"Her fulsome timbre resonated throughout the hall."
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Etymology
From Middle English fulsom, equivalent to full + -some. The meaning has evolved from an original positive connotation "abundant" to a neutral "plump" to a negative "overfed". In modern usage, it can take on any of these inflections. See usage note. The negative sense "offensive, gross; disgusting, sickening" developed secondarily after the 13th century and was influenced by Middle English foul (“foul”). In the 18th century, the word was sometimes even spelled foulsome.
Related words
Rhymes for fulsome
See all rhymes for fulsome →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of fulsome?
"fulsome" (adj) means excessive and tasteless, going further than good manners allow.
What is another word for fulsome?
Other words for "fulsome" include oily, buttery, oleaginous, soapy, smarmy, unctuous.
What is the opposite of fulsome?
Opposites of "fulsome" include tasteful, sincere.
What are the different meanings of fulsome?
"fulsome" has 3 main meanings: 1. Excessive and tasteless, going further than good manners allow; 2. Praising someone so heavily that it sounds insincere; 3. Generous and plentiful in amount.
