oleaginous

/ˌəʊliˈædʒɪnəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌəʊliˈædʒɪnəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌō-lē-ˈa-jə-nəs/ (ame, mw)

oleaginous — adjective

  • oleaginouspositive
  • more oleaginouscomparative
  • most oleaginoussuperlative

1. showing a smooth, over-polite manner that feels false because the person wants p

1.形容詞C2
釋義

showing a smooth, over-polite manner that feels false because the person wants praise, trust, or some other advantage.

例句

The candidate's oleaginous smile grew wider whenever cameras turned toward him.

oleaginous smile

Jude ignored the agent's oleaginous compliments and read the contract again.

oleaginous compliments

同義詞
  • smarmy

    more informal and slightly more common

  • unctuous

    very close in meaning; formal and literary

  • ingratiating

    focuses on trying to win approval

  • slick

    broader; can also suggest polished confidence rather than false flattery

反義詞

文法句型

oleaginous + smile/voice/charm

be/sound oleaginous when + clause

用法筆記

Always negative. It usually describes a person's smile, voice, praise, or manner rather than sincere politeness.

常見錯誤

❌The nurse gave me an oleaginous welcome at the clinic.
✅The nurse gave me a warm welcome at the clinic.
💡oleaginous suggests fake politeness, not genuine kindness.

2. looking or feeling like oil, or containing so much oil or grease that the surfac

2.形容詞C2
釋義

looking or feeling like oil, or containing so much oil or grease that the surface seems slick.

例句

An oleaginous film spread across the soup after the meat cooled.

oleaginous film

The seeds leave an oleaginous paste when they are crushed by hand.

oleaginous paste

同義詞
  • oily

    the usual everyday word

  • greasy

    more negative; often suggests unpleasant residue

  • slick

    focuses on the smooth, slippery surface

反義詞
  • dry

    lacking oil or grease

  • powdery

    dry and dusty rather than oily

文法句型

oleaginous + film/residue/paste

look/feel oleaginous

用法筆記

Mostly formal or technical. In everyday situations, speakers usually choose oily instead.

常見錯誤

❌My hands are a bit oleaginous after lunch.
✅My hands are a bit oily after lunch.
💡oleaginous is unusually formal for ordinary daily situations.