Spanish Conversation · Level 60
76 words
Spanish word
adulador
Pronunciation
IPA/aðulaˈðoɾ/
Meaning
- masculine nounflatterer
Example
Mi jefe es un adulador cuando habla con el director.
My boss is a flatterer when he talks to the director.
More examples
Aunque tiene fama de adulador, a veces da consejos útiles.
Although he is known as a flatterer, he sometimes gives useful advice.
Core concept
Person offering exaggerated compliments while angling for a favor.
Common phrases
un adulador empedernido
a confirmed flatterer
tener fama de adulador
be known as a flatterer
los aduladores del poder
those who flatter the powerful
Similar words
lisonjero: Says flattering things mainly to be liked or accepted by someone.
halagador: Praises others to win favor or goodwill through compliments.
pelota: Fawns over superiors with excessive praise to stay in their good graces.
pelotillero: Regularly flatters coworkers or bosses at work to get ahead.
Definition in Spanish
Se refiere a una persona que usa elogios fingidos e interesados para lograr ventajas sociales.
Word origin
From Spanish adular 'to flatter' and Latin adulatio 'flattery', formed with the agentive suffix -dor meaning 'person who'.
Usage tips
- In polite or workplace settings calling someone an 'adulador' can sound confrontational, so speakers often soften it with phrases like 'parece que busca agradar'.