The word unctuous is an adjective. It means something that is unpleasantly and excessively suave or is characterized by insincere earnestness.
‘Unctuous’ originated around 1400 and from the Latin word unctuosus.
Pronunciation: uhngk-choo-uhs
Meanings of Unctuous
1. Ingratiating in manner or speech
2. Revealing or marked by a smug
3. Excessively smooth or greasy
Master’s Tip to Learn Unctuous
Think of the word Unctuous as derived from ‘Un-cute’. Now someone with a lot of oily makeup looks superficial or insincere and hence the word Unctuous.
Sentence examples for Unctuous:
1. His is clearly an unctuous effort to appear religious to the voters.
2. In order to please his elder brother, he indulged in unctuous praise of his work.
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