obsequious Hear it!

obsequious Definition

ob·se·qui·ous (əb sē′kwē əs, äb-)

adjective

  1. showing too great a willingness to serve or obey; fawning
  2. Archaic compliant; dutiful

Etymology: ME obsequyouse < L obsequiosus < obsequium, compliance < obsequi, to comply with < ob- (see ob-) + sequi, to follow: see sequent

obsequious Related Forms

ob·se′·qui·ously adverb ob·se′·qui·ous·ness noun

obsequious Synonyms

obsequious

modif.

docile, submissive, cringing, slavish, sycophantic, deferential, servile, subject, enslaved, subordinate, parasitical, stipendiary, toadyish, toadying, fawning, truckling, groveling, spineless, crouching, cringing, mealy-mouthed, subservient, abject, beggarly, sniveling, prostrate, sneaking, oily, bootlicking*, brown-nosing*, kowtowing*, apple-polishing*, flunkyish*, toad-eating*; see also docile, obedient 1.

Antonyms insulting*, proud*, haughty.

obsequious Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • service: In industries where obsequious service is expected, one generally leaves a tip.
  • manner: Do not treat me with affected and obsequious manners.

Modifying Another Word

too: Essays that are too obsequious, too obviously pandering to the writer in question.