Define obsequious

English Dictionary.

How is the word obsequious distinct from other similar adjectives? Some common synonyms of obsequious are servile , slavish , and subservient. While all these words mean "showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience," obsequious implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner. When is servile a more appropriate choice than obsequious? The synonyms servile and obsequious are sometimes interchangeable, but servile suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave. Although the words slavish and obsequious have much in common, slavish suggests abject or debased servility. The meanings of subservient and obsequious largely overlap; however, subservient implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position.

Define obsequious

Follow Along With the Definition of Obsequious. According to the origin of the word, an obsequious person is more likely to be a follower than a leader. The word comes from Latin sequi, meaning "to follow"; the prefix ob- means "toward. These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obsequious. Send us feedback about these examples. Accessed 18 Mar. Nglish: Translation of obsequious for Spanish Speakers. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! See Definitions and Examples ». Log In.

Perhaps your mother was very obsequious to doctors. Examples of 'obsequious' in a sentence obsequious.

Add to word list Add to word list. Es lamentable como se comporta de forma servil con cualquiera que tenga autoridad. See also obsequiously. Examples of obsequious. We have proposed a two-thirds majority to allow for the odd obsequious and unquestioning supporter.

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Define obsequious

Forget doing it or forget to do it? Avoiding common mistakes with verb patterns 2. Add to word list Add to word list. She is embarrassingly obsequious to anyone in authority. Praising insincerely or too eagerly. Examples of obsequious. Complimenting someone can be effective, but can appear obsequious if you overdo it. From Chicago Tribune. Nobody actually cared about the miserable, obscenely obsequious , sycophantically slimy internal opposition.

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Related to obsequious: thesaurus. Full of or exhibiting servile compliance; fawning.

English American Examples Translations. Synonyms: servile , flattering , cringing , fawning More Synonyms of obsequious. English—Polish Polish—English. They may, of course follow it and thus make their consciences obsequious to their interests. Play Play. Some common synonyms of obsequious are servile , slavish , and subservient. Translator tool. Dictionary Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. Essential British English. Choose a dictionary. Congratulating someone shows you care about their successes or life events. How do you take advantage of them?