obsequious — obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree
Pronunciation (IPA): /əbˈsiːkwiəs/
Example Sentences
- His obsequious attitude toward the CEO made his colleagues uncomfortable.
- The obsequious student complimented the professor's tie, shoes, and even his coffee mug.
- She found his obsequious compliments annoying rather than charming.
obsequious
ADJECTIVE[/əbˈsiːkwiəs/]
obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree
The obsequious butler bows deeply while praising every trivial word his master says.
Obsequious in manner, devious by nature, but serious in purpose
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'obsequiosus', derived from 'obsequi' meaning 'to comply with' or 'to follow after', composed of 'ob-' (toward) and 'sequi' (to follow). The word entered English in the 16th century, originally meaning 'compliant' and later developed its current connotation of excessive or servile compliance.
Breakdown
ob- (toward) + sequ- (follow) + -ious (adjective suffix meaning 'full of' or 'characterized by') = obsequious (excessively compliant or attentive)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His obsequious attitude toward the CEO made his colleagues uncomfortable.”
“The obsequious student complimented the professor's tie, shoes, and even his coffee mug.”
“She found his obsequious compliments annoying rather than charming.”
“The obsequious waiter asked if the water was wet enough for the customer's taste.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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