English vocabulary · C2
Obsequious
/əbˈsiː.kwi.əs/ · adj.
An obsequious person tries far too hard to please someone with power. They agree with all you say and do too much to be liked.
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Example sentences
- The obsequious cook bowed.
- His obsequious bows failed.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- obsequium — service (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- FAWNING — showing too much admiration (Too Much Praise)
- SERVILE — too willing to serve (Too Ready To Obey)
- SLAVISH — obeying without independent thought (Always Gives Way)
Similar words
- fawning
- servile
- subservient
- sycophantic
- deferential
Lesson notes
An obsequious person tries far too hard to please someone with power. They agree with all you say and do too much to be liked.
Related: fawning, servile, slavish. Use obsequious when praise goes too far.
The obsequious cook bowed. His obsequious bows failed.
From Latin. Ob-see-kwee-um- means service. Service goes too far: the obsequious cook bows to his boss.