UNCTUOUS Definition & Meaning

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unctuous

[ uhngk-choo-uhs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, especially in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.
of the nature of or characteristic of an unguent or ointment; oily; greasy.
having an oily or soapy feel, as certain minerals.

unctuous

/ ˌʌŋktjʊˈɒsɪtɪ; ˈʌŋktjʊəs /

adjective

slippery or greasy
affecting an oily charm

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Derived Forms

unctuosity, noun
ˈ�ܲԳ��ٳܴǳܲ��, adverb

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

�ܲԳ�t��·�ǳܲ�·�� adverb
�ܲԳ�t��·�ǳܲ�·�Ա�� �ܲԳ�·�ٳ�·�ǲ�·��·�ٲ� [uhngk-choo-, os, -i-tee], noun

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of unctuous¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin ū�Գ��ٳ�ō��ܲ�, equivalent to Latin ū�Գ��ٳ�(��) “act of anointing” ( ung(uere) “to smear, anoint” + -tus suffix of verb action) + -ō��ܲ� -ous

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of unctuous¹

C14: from Medieval Latin �ܲԳ��ٳ�ō��ܲ�, from Latin unctum ointment, from ungere to anoint

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Moreover, the script transitions him, through Finan’s effective performance, from a gawky, bespectacled nerd putting on airs, into an unctuous political predator.

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Trump is naturally very pleased with this unctuous display of sycophancy.

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His duke is a spasm of nervous tics and shifty glances, of unctuous charm and feigned candor.

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Chicken drumsticks simmer in a sticky sauce; a whole fish sizzles in a frying pan; an unctuous golden curry bubbles.

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The only question then, Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post wrote, "is which of the contenders will be most unctuous and self-abasing in defense of Donald Trump?"

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