obsequious

Meanings

• adjective

  Excessively servile and submissive, often to the point of fawning or flattering.

  - "His obsequious behavior towards the boss was not appreciated by his colleagues."
  - "The obsequious courtiers flattered the king with false compliments."

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Pronunciation

1. /əbˈsiːkwi.əs/
   
   
   
   Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=268395"

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Synonyms

asskissing , fawning , ingratiating , servile , slavish , smarmy , sycophantic , truckling

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with obsequious
sequacious , obdurate , delusive

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Variants

List of all variants of obsequious that leads to same result
obsequious , obsequiously , obsequiousness , obsequiousnesses

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

From the Latin word 'obsequium', meaning compliance or obedience.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. The term 'obsequious' comes from the Latin word 'obsequium', which means compliance or obedience.

2. The word 'obsequious' has been in use since the 15th century.

3. The term 'obsequious' is often used in a negative context to describe someone who is excessively submissive or fawning.

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. servility: A state or quality of being excessively submissive or deferential.

2. sycophant: A person who excessively flatters and praises someone in order to gain favor or advantage.

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Quotes

Quotes by authors and personalities

1. But the Democratic presidential nominee is commonly referred to as Elvis, and his running mate as Eddie Haskell, that "obsequious" weenie from '50s TV.

   - Guy Trebay,{it}Village Voice{/it},28 July 1992

2. He could wear an oxford shirt and necktie and speak the local language, in every sense, and never act "obsequious" or look as though he felt out of place.

   - Tracy Kidder,{it}New England Monthly{/it},April 1990

3. Nash's other hand flashed forward a lighter with the "obsequious" speed of a motor salesman.

   - Ian Fleming,{it}From Russia, With Love{/it},1957

4. The "obsequious" villagers touched their caps but sneered behind her back.

   - "George Sand",1980,{"source"=>"in V. S. Pritchett: {it}A Man of Letters{/it}", "aqdate"=>"1985"}

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

The term 'obsequious' has been used in literature to describe characters who are overly submissive or fawning towards those in power. In art, the concept of obsequiousness can be seen in depictions of courtiers or servants bowing and scraping before their masters.

How to Memorize "obsequious"

1. visualize
   

   - Imagine someone bowing and scraping excessively to someone in power.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the word with the image of a servant or courtier being overly submissive.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Create a mnemonic by remembering the 'o' in 'obsequious' represents 'obedience' and the 'sequ' in 'sequacious' represents 'servility'.

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