Spanish Conversation · Level 65
60 words
Spanish word
adular
Pronunciation
IPA/aðuˈlaɾ/
Meaning
- verbflatter
Example
No me gusta cuando la gente adula al jefe.
I don't like it when people flatter the boss.
More examples
Los vendedores suelen adular a los clientes para vender más.
Salespeople tend to flatter customers to sell more.
Core concept
Praise used as a tool to win advantage.
Common phrases
adular a un superior
flatter a superior
adular a los clientes
flatter customers
Similar words
halagar: Praises someone warmly to please them and gain their goodwill.
elogiar: Praises actions or results plainly and sincerely for their merits.
alabar: Praises achievements or behavior with emphasis, often exaggerating worth.
lisonjear: Offers sweet, flattering words to charm someone or attract their favor.
Definition in Spanish
Intentar agradar a alguien mediante cumplidos o halagos para obtener algún beneficio, muchas veces sin sinceridad.
Word origin
Derived from Latin adulatio/adulari 'flattery, to flatter', the word entered Spanish via medieval adular and acquired the meaning of flattering someone to obtain benefit.
Usage tips
- The verb typically takes a as in adular a alguien to mark the target, and choosing adular instead of halagar signals that the praise is manipulative rather than sincere.