Gerund Word Explorer
Misleading wordAges 15–20

Fulsome

Fulsome

Too much; overdone, so it can sound insincere.

His fulsome praise of the boss embarrassed everyone.

Not this

Warm and generous (always a compliment).

✗ Thank you for your fulsome support, team!

Remember: Fulsome first meant 'plentiful', then 'overdone, insincere'. Many now use it for 'generous', but some readers still hear an insult. Say 'warm' to be safe.

Short lessonMisleading wordsSome words mean something quite different from what they seem to say.

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