Langimage
English

mawkishness

|maw/kish/ness|

C1

/ˈmɔːkɪʃnəs/

(mawkish)

overly sentimental

Base Form
mawkish
Etymology
Etymology Information

'mawkish' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'mauk,' where 'mauk' meant 'maggot.'

Historical Evolution

'mauk' transformed into the English word 'mawkish,' and eventually became the modern English word 'mawkishness.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'having a sickly taste,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'overly sentimental.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the quality of being overly sentimental or emotional, often to the point of being sickening or insincere.

The movie was criticized for its mawkishness, as it seemed to manipulate the audience's emotions.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42