The spelling of the word "more sycophant" is straightforward when using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). It is pronounced as /mɔːr ˈsɪkəfənt/. The first syllable "more" is pronounced with an open o sound as in "door," followed by the second syllable "sycophant" which is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable with a short i and a schwa sound. The word "sycophant" means a person who acts obsequiously towards someone important to gain an advantage.
There does not appear to be a standard dictionary definition for the term "more sycophant." However, based on the understanding of the individual words "more" and "sycophant," it is possible to infer a possible definition.
The word "more" is an adjective typically used to indicate a greater amount or degree of something. It can also suggest an additional or higher level of an attribute. "Sycophant," on the other hand, refers to a person who excessively flatters or ingratiates themselves to gain favor or advantage from someone in a position of power.
By combining these definitions, it can be inferred that "more sycophant" refers to an individual who displays an even greater degree or magnitude of sycophantic behavior than others. This implies that the person is excessively obsequious, fawning, and servile in their attempts to ingratiate themselves with someone in authority. They may regularly seek validation or praise by acting subserviently and catering to the desires or whims of the person they are trying to impress. The term "more sycophant" may be used to emphasize the exceptionally groveling nature of an individual's behavior, suggesting that they surpass the typical extent of flattery and fawning observed in sycophantic behavior.
The word "sycophant" originates from ancient Greece. It comes from the Greek words "sukophantēs" (συκοφάντης), which is derived from "sukon" (σῦκον) meaning "fig", and "phainein" (φαίνειν) meaning "to show" or "to reveal".
In ancient Greece, a "sycophant" referred to someone who would inform officials about people breaking fig exportation laws. This term gradually shifted its meaning over time, evolving to describe an individual who flattered or ingratiated themselves to gain favor from those in power. Today, "sycophant" generally refers to someone who behaves obsequiously towards someone influential in order to gain benefits or advantages.