obsequious
Contents
English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From Latin obsequiōsus (“complaisant, obsequious”), from obsequium (“compliance”), from obsequor (“comply with, yield to”), from ob (“in the direction of, towards”) + sequor (“follow”) (see sequel).
Pronunciation[edit]
Adjective[edit]
obsequious (comparative more obsequious, superlative most obsequious)
- (archaic) Obedient, compliant with someone else's orders or wishes.
- Excessively eager and attentive to please or to obey all instructions; fawning, subservient, servile.
- 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.
- 1927, Thornton Wilder, The Bridge of San Luis Rey, p. 20
- (obsolete) Of or pertaining to obsequies, funereal.
- Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act I, Scene 2
- … the survivor bound
In filial obligation for some term
To do obsequious sorrow…
- … the survivor bound
- Shakespeare, Richard III, Act I, Scene 2
- Whilst I awhile obsequiously lament
Th’ untimely fall of virtuous Lancaster.
- Whilst I awhile obsequiously lament
- Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act I, Scene 2
Usage notes[edit]
- In modern usage, not to be confused with obsequies as the “funereal” sense has become obsolete.
Synonyms[edit]
- (fawning or subservient): fawning, ingratiating, servile, slavish, sycophantic, truckling, people pleaser, kiss-ass
Related terms[edit]
Translations[edit]
obedient, compliant with someone else's orders
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fawning, subservient
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