Where does “sycophancy” come from?
Sycophancy comes from English sycophant, from Latin sycophanta, from Ancient Greek συκοφάντης, ultimately derived from Proto-Indo-European roots meaning to speak or say.
sycophancy (English): The fawning behavior of a sycophant; servile...
Definitions
- The fawning behavior of a sycophant; servile...
Ancestry of “sycophancy”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Latin | sȳcophantia | a cunning, deceit, trick |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | σῡκοφᾰντῐ́ᾱ | vexatious or dishonest prosecution, chicane, barratry, blackmail |