adjective
obsequious
ub-SEE-kwee-us
Obsequious (adjective) means Excessively eager to please or obey, in a way that seems insincere and self-serving. Example: “An obsequious waiter hovered by the table.”
adjective
1
Excessively eager to please or obey, in a way that seems insincere and self-serving.
"An obsequious waiter hovered by the table."
"Personally I felt shy and uncomfortable at this obsequious adoration, and I read the same feeling in the faces of Lord John and Summerlee, but Challenger expanded like a flower in the sun."
— Arthur Conan Doyle, ‘Those Were the Real Conquests’ (1912)
"Translation falls especially short of this conceit which carries the whole flamboyance of the Spanish language. It was intended as an obsequious flattery of the Condesa, and was untrue."
— Thornton Wilder, The Bridge of San Luis Rey (1927)
How to use obsequious
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCreepily eager to please someone important.
When to use it
Always negative. Calling someone obsequious is an accusation, not a compliment.
Easily confused with
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An _____ waiter hovered by the table.
Etymology
From Latin "obsequiosus," compliant, from "obsequi" (to comply with).
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for obsequious
See all rhymes for obsequious →Frequently asked questions
What does obsequious mean?
Fawning — so eager to please someone powerful that it comes across as insincere. It is always disapproving.
What is the difference between obsequious and polite?
Politeness is proportionate and sincere. Obsequiousness is excessive and self-interested — flattery aimed at gaining favour rather than showing respect.
What is the meaning of obsequious?
"obsequious" (adjective) means excessively eager to please or obey, in a way that seems insincere and self-serving.
What is another word for obsequious?
Other words for "obsequious" include fawning, servile, sycophantic, ingratiating, toadyish, bootlicking.
