Unctious vs. Unctuous — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
Unctuous" refers to someone being excessively or ingratiatingly flattering; oily. "Unctious" is a common misspelling of "unctuous." They are related in meaning, but only "unctuous" is the correct spelling.
Difference Between Unctious and Unctuous
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Unctuous" is a word found in the English lexicon, describing someone who is excessively smooth, suave, or smug, often in an ingratiating manner. It can also relate to an oily or greasy feel, either literally, as in the texture of a substance, or metaphorically, in the demeanor of a person. When someone's flattery feels too much, or their compliments seem over the top and insincere, they can be described as having an unctuous manner.
"Unctious," on the other hand, is not a recognized word in standard English dictionaries. Rather, it emerges as a frequent misspelling or typo of "unctuous." When individuals write "unctious," they often mean "unctuous," but may not be aware of the correct spelling or may inadvertently make a typographical error.
It's essential to understand the distinction between these terms, primarily since only "unctuous" holds a valid place in English vocabulary. Using "unctious" in formal writing or communication can reflect poorly on the writer's knowledge or attention to detail.
In summary, while "unctuous" has a defined meaning and usage in English, referring to a kind of excessive, oily flattery, "unctious" stands as its frequent misspelling. Recognizing the difference ensures clear and accurate communication.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A common misspelling of "unctuous."
Excessively flattering; oily in texture or demeanor.
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Recognition in English
Not recognized as a standard word.
Recognized and defined in dictionaries.
Usage
Often a typo or error.
Used to describe overly flattering or oily substances/people.
Origin
Mistaken version of "unctuous."
Derived from Latin "unctus," meaning "anoint."
Example
-
His unctuous praise made her suspicious of his intentions.
Compare with Definitions
Unctious
Incorrect spelling of "unctuous."
She wrote unctious, but meant unctuous.
Unctuous
Smooth and slippery in manner; suave.
The salesman's unctuous demeanor was off-putting.
Unctious
Typographical error in place of "unctuous."
His speech was described as unctious, a misspelling of the word.
Unctuous
Characterized by a smug or ingratiating manner.
His unctuous tone did not win any trust.
Unctious
Erroneous version of "unctuous."
Always double-check the spelling; it's unctuous, not unctious.
Unctuous
Having a greasy or oily texture or feel.
The unctuous lotion made her skin feel smooth.
Unctious
Mistaken choice for the word describing excessive flattery.
Her unctious compliments were insincere.
Unctuous
Being excessively or insincerely flattering.
His unctuous remarks were clearly aimed at getting a favor.
Unctious
A non-standard variant of "unctuous."
Unctious appeared in his essay, highlighting the need for proofreading.
Unctuous
Displaying fake earnestness or sincerity.
She was wary of his unctuous promises.
Unctious
(obsolete) unctuous
Unctuous
Excessively ingratiating or insincerely earnest
Was annoyed by the unctuous waiter.
Unctious
Unctuous.
Unctuous
Containing or composed of oil or fat.
Unctuous
Having the quality or characteristics of oil or ointment; slippery.
Unctuous
Abundant in organic materials; soft and rich
Unctuous soil.
Unctuous
Of a liquid, semisolid, or other substance: having the nature or properties of an unguent or ointment; greasy, oily.
Unctuous
Having fat or oil present; fatty, greasy, oily.
Unctuous
Of an aroma or taste, or a beverage (such as coffee or wine) or food (such as gravy, meat, or sauce): having layers of concentrated, velvety flavour; lush, rich.
Unctuous
Of soil: soft and sticky.
Unctuous
(figuratively) Of a person:
Unctuous
Complacent, self-satisfied, smug.
Unctuous
Profusely polite, especially in an insincere and unpleasant manner.
Unctuous
Of the nature or quality of an unguent or ointment; fatty; oily; greasy.
Unctuous
Having a smooth, greasy feel, as certain minerals.
Unctuous
Bland; suave; also, tender; fervid; as, an unctuous speech; sometimes, insincerely suave or fervid.
Unctuous
Unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech;
Buttery praise
Gave him a fulsome introduction
An oily sycophantic press agent
Oleaginous hypocrisy
Smarmy self-importance
The unctuous Uriah Heep
Common Curiosities
What does "Unctuous" mean?
"Unctuous" describes someone being overly flattering or having an oily texture or demeanor.
Why do people write "Unctious"?
It's often a typo or misunderstanding of the correct spelling "unctuous."
Is "Unctuous" always negative in connotation?
Mostly, especially when describing demeanor. But it can be neutral when referring to a substance's texture.
Can I use "Unctious" in formal writing?
It's not advisable; "Unctious" is a misspelling of "unctuous."
Is "Unctious" a correct word in English?
No, "Unctious" is a common misspelling of "unctuous."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
