anticipate wishes; ingratiate oneself; sycophancy
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to anticipate someone's wishes and act accordingly; to ingratiate oneself by second-guessing others' desires
formalOriginally described filial children who anticipated their parents' needs without being told (positive connotation in classical texts); in modern usage, it often carries a negative connotation of sycophancy, obsequiousness, and currying favor with superiors.
Tā他
duì对
shàng上
sī司
zǒng总
shì是
xiān先
yì意
chéng承
zhì志
，
shēn深
dé得
xìn信
rèn任
。
He always anticipates his boss's wishes and acts accordingly, earning deep trust.
Zhè这
zhǒng种
xiān先
yì意
chéng承
zhì志
de的
zuò做
fǎ法
，
zài在
guān官
chǎng场
shàng上
lǚ屡
jiàn见
bù不
xiān鲜
。
This kind of sycophantic behavior is commonly seen in official circles.
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Gǔ古
zhī之
xiào孝
zǐ子
，
xiān先
yì意
chéng承
zhì志
，
yù谕
fù父
mǔ母
yú于
dào道
。
Filial sons of ancient times would anticipate their parents' wishes and guide them toward the right path.