CLOYINGLY Meaning and
Definition
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Cloyingly is an adverb derived from the adjective "cloying." It refers to something that is excessively or sickeningly sweet, rich, or sentimental in taste, fragrance, or manner. The term often carries a negative connotation, describing things that are overwhelming, overly saccharine, or excessively indulgent to the point of becoming unpleasant, tiresome, or nauseating.
When used to describe taste, cloyingly reflects the overwhelming sweetness of overly sugary foods or drinks that may leave an unpleasant aftertaste or a sensation of being overly full. In terms of fragrance, it characterizes perfumes, scented products, or even certain natural odors that are overpowering, overbearing, or too perfumed for some individuals' preference.
In a broader sense, cloyingly describes a manner or sentiment that is excessively sentimental, sentimentalizing, or excessively flattering to the point of being insincere or mawkish. It describes expressions of affection or kindness that may come across as superficial or calculated, lacking genuine emotion or depth.
When used to critique art, literature, or entertainment, cloyingly refers to works that rely heavily on sentimentality, melodrama, or overly polished aesthetics, resulting in a contrived or phony effect.
Overall, the adverb "cloyingly" highlights the sense of excessiveness, often with a negative connotation, in the realms of taste, fragrance, manner, sentimentality, or even aesthetics.
Common Misspellings for CLOYINGLY
Etymology of CLOYINGLY
The word cloyingly is derived from the root word cloy.
The term cloy originated in Middle English around the 14th century, derived from the Old French word encloer or cloer, meaning to drive a nail into, to fasten, or to clench. This evolved into the Old French word enclouer, which meant to obstruct or block up.
By the early 16th century, cloy had gained the meaning of to fill to excess, to satiate, or to overindulge. It was often used in relation to consuming food or drink in a way that causes a loss of appetite due to excessive sweetness or richness.
The suffix -ing is added to create the adverb form cloyingly, which means in a manner that causes excessive or sickening sweetness, richness, or sentimentality.
Similar spelling words for CLOYINGLY
- clanking,
- clinch,
- clines,
- clinically,
- clinical,
- clinking,
- cloying,
- clinker,
- clingan,
- clinic,
- clanging,
- clinger.
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