Critics accused the host of fawning upon powerful guests.
The label described the leather as fawn.
A wash of fawn softened the hallway walls.
She disliked the way employees fawned over the new chief executive.
Two fawns followed the herd across the meadow.
Similar words
toady
kowtow
tan
young deer
flatter
deer calf
taupe
sandy
buff
taupe
Meanings
Young deer
noun
nature
neutral
A young deer, especially one still small, spotted, or dependent on its mother.
Examples
A spotted fawn stepped out from the bracken.
The doe kept her fawn hidden in the long grass.
A fawn can lie very still when danger is near.
The ranger warned visitors not to touch a resting fawn.
By late summer, the young fawn had begun to lose its spots.
Two fawns followed the herd across the meadow.
The camera caught a fawn nursing at dawn.
Similar words
young deer
baby deer
deer calf
juvenile deer
Pale brown color
noun
color
neutral
A soft pale brown or yellowish-brown color, like the coat of a young deer.
Examples
The designer paired fawn with cream and olive.
A wash of fawn softened the hallway walls.
The label described the leather as fawn.
Her palette moved from sand to fawn to warm grey.
The blanket came in ivory, charcoal, and fawn.
A touch of yellow kept the brown close to fawn.
The upholstery sample marked fawn looked warmer than beige.
Similar words
tan
beige
buff
camel
sand
taupe
Pale brown in color
adjective
color
neutral
Having a soft pale brown or yellowish-brown color.
Examples
She wore a fawn wool coat.
The room had fawn walls and dark green trim.
A pair of fawn gloves lay on the chair.
The dog had a fawn coat with a black muzzle.
He chose fawn trousers for the summer suit.
The artist added a fawn wash under the shadows.
Her bag was made from soft fawn suede.
Similar words
tan
beige
buff
camel
sandy
taupe
Seek favor by excessive attention
verb
social interaction
neutral
To behave with exaggerated affection, praise, or submission in order to please someone or win approval.
Examples
The guests fawned over the actor at the reception.
He refused to fawn on wealthy donors.
The puppy fawned over everyone who entered the room.
Critics accused the host of fawning upon powerful guests.
She disliked the way employees fawned over the new chief executive.
The courtier fawned on the king for protection.
A good review should not fawn over the artist.
Similar words
flatter
grovel
toady
adulate
truckle
kowtow
suck up
Etymology
The young-deer noun came through Old French faon from Latin fetus, meaning offspring. The verb is unrelated, from Old English fagnian, meaning to rejoice or show gladness. The color sense developed from the animal’s coat.
FAQ
What does fawn mean as a noun?
Fawn can mean a young deer or a pale yellowish-brown color like a young deer’s coat.
What does fawn mean as a verb?
To fawn is to show excessive affection, praise, or submission in order to please someone or gain favor.
Is fawn over correct?
Yes. Fawn over, fawn on, and fawn upon are all used, though over is very common in modern English.
What color is fawn?
Fawn is a soft pale brown or yellowish-brown, similar to the coat of a young deer.
Is fawn the same as faun?
No. A fawn is a young deer, a color, or a verb. A faun is a mythological woodland creature.
Where does fawn come from?
The animal word comes from Old French and Latin words for offspring, while the verb comes from Old English words for gladness and rejoicing.
Can fawn be an adjective?
Yes. Fawn can describe a pale brown color, as in fawn gloves or a fawn coat.
Does fawn always sound negative as a verb?
The verb usually carries a negative tone because it suggests excessive, servile, or insincere attention.
Comments & contributions
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