What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sycophantism
Example
His sycophantism towards the boss was obvious, as he constantly showered her with compliments. [sycophantism: noun]
Example
She engaged in sycophantism to get ahead in her career, always agreeing with her superiors and never expressing dissent. [sycophantism: noun]
flattery
Example
He was flattered by her compliments, even though he suspected they were insincere. [flattered: verb]
Example
She used flattery to get her friend to lend her money, telling her how generous and kind she was. [flattery: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flattery is more commonly used than sycophantism in everyday language. Flattery is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while sycophantism is less common and has a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sycophantism and flattery?
Both sycophantism and flattery are associated with informal language and are generally not used in formal contexts. However, sycophantism may be seen as more negative and inappropriate in professional settings.
