Differences between fawn on and fawn over
The main difference between fawn on and fawn over is the preposition used. Fawn on means to flatter or excessively praise someone in order to gain their favor or approval, while fawn over means to show excessive affection or admiration towards someone or something.
Meanings and Definitions: fawn on vs fawn over
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Fawn on
- 1Praise someone in an excessive way to get their favour or something from them.
He's always FAWNING ON his boss to try to get promoted.
Fawn over
- 1Praise someone in an excessive way to get their favour or something from them.
She FAWNED OVER the inspectors in the hope that they would give her a good grade.
Usage Examples: fawn on, fawn over in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
fawn on
Example
She always fawns on her teacher to get better grades.
Example
He fawns on his boss to try to get a promotion.
fawn over
Example
She always fawns over her boss to get better assignments.
Example
He fawns over the teacher to get extra credit.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fawn on
butter up
To flatter or praise someone excessively in order to gain their favor or approval.
Example
He tried to butter up his boss by complimenting her work and offering to help with extra tasks.
suck up to
To behave obsequiously towards someone in order to gain their favor or approval.
Example
She was always sucking up to the teacher by bringing her coffee and offering to run errands for her.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fawn over
To admire or revere someone or something to an extreme degree.
Example
Many teenagers idolize their favorite celebrities and try to emulate their style and behavior.
To show great reverence or adoration towards someone or something.
Example
Some people worship their pets and treat them like royalty, buying them expensive toys and gourmet food.
Differences in fawn on vs fawn over: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: fawn on or fawn over?
Both fawn on and fawn over are not very common phrasal verbs in everyday conversation. However, fawn over is slightly more common than fawn on.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of fawn on and fawn over
Both fawn on and fawn over are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are not suitable for formal settings like business or academic contexts. Using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of fawn on and fawn over
The tone of fawn on and fawn over can differ based on context. Fawn on often carries a negative connotation as it implies insincere flattery or manipulation, while fawn over typically has a positive connotation as it implies genuine admiration or affection.
