obsequious

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Translations 1.3.3 Related terms

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Latin obsequiōsus, from obsequium (“‘compliance’”) < ob "after" + sequi "follow" (see sequel).

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA: /əbˈsiːkwi.əs/, SAMPA: /@b"si:.kwi.@s/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Adjective

obsequious (comparative more obsequious, superlative most obsequious)

1. (archaic) Obedient, compliant with someone else's orders or wishes
2. Excessively eager to please or to obey all instructions; fawning, subservient
   • 1927 — Thornton Wilder, The Bridge of San Luis Rey, p. 20

     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.

[edit] Synonyms

• (fawning or subservient): fawning, ingratiating, servile, slavish, sycophantic, truckling

[edit] Translations

[edit] Related terms

• obsequiously
• obsequiousness