English
Etymology
Middle English full + some. The meaning has evolved from an original positive conotation "abundant" to a neutral "plump" to a negative "overfed." In modern usage it can take on any of these inflections. See usage note
Adjective
en-adj
#* abundant; copious
#*: the fulsome thanks of the war-torn nation lifted our weary spirits
#* fully developed; mature
#*: her fulsome timbre resonated throughout the hall
- excessively flattering (conotes insincerity)
- offensive to good taste; tactless;
Usage notes
It is important to recognize that common usage tends toward the negative connotation, and using fulsome as in the primary definition may lead to confusion without contextual prompts.
Synonyms
effusive (2)
unctuous (2)
io:fulsome
te:fulsome
vi:fulsome
zh:fulsome
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