Word: fawn (verb)

Associations

The verb "fawn" means to show too much admiration or affection, often in a way that seems insincere or exaggerated. It is usually used when someone tries very hard to please or flatter another person, sometimes to gain favor.

• Example 1: The employee fawned over the boss to get a promotion. (Here, the employee is trying to please the boss too much.)
• Example 2: She fawned on the celebrity at the party, hoping to get an autograph. (Showing admiration in an exaggerated way.)
• Example 3: The dog fawned on its owner after being scolded. (The dog shows affection to get forgiveness.)

Synonym: "to flatter" is similar, but "fawn" often implies a more excessive or even embarrassing level of admiration. "Flatter" can be polite or strategic, while "fawn" usually has a negative or mocking tone.

Substitution

You can replace "fawn" with:

• "flatter" (more polite or strategic)
• "grovel" (shows more humility or desperation)
• "adore" (more genuine affection, less negative) Changing the word changes how strong or sincere the admiration feels.

Deconstruction

"Fawn" originally comes from Old English "fagnian," meaning "to rejoice." Over time, it changed to mean showing excessive affection, like a young deer (called a fawn) showing closeness to its mother. The word is simple and has no prefix or suffix.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a situation where someone might fawn on another person? Is it always bad?
• How is "fawning" different from simply being kind or friendly?
• Have you ever seen animals fawning? How is that similar or different from people fawning?