Obsequious
Compliments that make you check your wallet usually come from this kind of eagerness to please power.
Learn This WordMeaning
Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree; fawning and flattering.
Memory trick
Think "OB-SEQUI-OUS" = "OB (toward) SEQUI (follow) + OUS", following excessively, being overly compliant. Obsequious = excessively servile.
Examples
The obsequious waiter anticipated every customer's need.
His obsequious behavior toward the boss was uncomfortable to watch.
She found his obsequious compliments insincere.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin obsequiosus "compliant, obedient," from obsequi "to comply with," from ob- "toward" + sequi "to follow."
Usage Notes
Generally used negatively to describe excessive flattery or servility. Common in social and professional critiques.
Real-life contexts
Critique behavior: "His obsequious manner was off-putting."
Describe excessive politeness: "The obsequious staff was overwhelming."
Use in analysis: "The obsequious tone undermined credibility."
Common Mistakes
Obsequious implies excessive or insincere deference, not just politeness.
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Part of Speech
adjective
Difficulty
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Related Words
Deferential
Showing respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, or wishes of another.
Fastidious
Very attentive to detail and accuracy; hard to please; overly concerned with cleanliness or order.
Solicitous
Showing concern or care for someone’s needs and well-being; attentive and considerate.