Fawningly

Fawningly describes a manner characterized by excessive flattery and servile behavior intended to gain favor or advantage. It suggests an insincere display of affection, admiration, or attentiveness, often used to manipulate or ingratiate oneself with someone. This behavior involves a deferential and obsequious attitude, where one might shower another with compliments or perform acts of subservience to curry favor. It implies a lack of genuine respect and a focus solely on personal gain. The intent is typically to impress, please, or obtain something from the object of their attention, revealing a clear power dynamic in the interaction.

Fawningly meaning with examples

• The intern, hoping for a promotion, spoke fawningly to the CEO, constantly agreeing with his opinions and praising his every decision. He even offered to fetch his coffee and compliment his tie, all in an effort to appear indispensable. His colleagues found his behavior distasteful, recognizing it as a transparent attempt to climb the corporate ladder through insincere flattery.
• He'd always treated his wealthy relatives fawningly, showering them with gifts and exaggerated displays of affection whenever they visited. This behavior only surfaced whenever he needed financial help or a favor. His friends found him difficult to deal with because they knew that it wasn't out of love but the goal to become the inheritor of his relative's fortunes.
• The aspiring actress, fawningly flattered the director, showering him with praise and agreeing with all of his artistic choices, even those she privately questioned. She hoped to be cast in his next movie, and her every action was calculated to please him. The other actors noticed her insincere behavior, which made it harder for them to feel connected.
• During the negotiations, the representative spoke fawningly to the potential investor, emphasizing the investor's brilliance and making lavish promises about returns. He hoped to secure a large investment, and his every word was calculated to persuade the investor. His colleagues worried that this tactic would make them look weak.
• The politician, seeking re-election, addressed the crowd fawningly, offering hollow praise and promising actions designed to appeal to their concerns. He wanted to win their votes, and his speech was filled with insincere flattery and empty promises. He hoped to avoid any controversy at any cost.