Obsequious: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Obsequious adjective. Too eager to please or obey, in a fawning way.
How to say it
ub-SEE-kwee-us/əbˈsiːkwiəs/
4 syllables, stressed on the second (SEE).
Obsequious in a sentence
The obsequious waiter laughed far too long at the host’s joke.
Ministers grew obsequious whenever the prime minister entered the room.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- servile
- fawning
- sycophantic
- ingratiating
Opposite:
- domineering
- assertive
Where obsequious comes from
From Latin obsequi, to comply with, from sequi, to follow.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Ministers grew _____ whenever the prime minister entered the room.
- obsequious
- frugal
- articulate
Show the answer
obsequious: Ministers grew obsequious whenever the prime minister entered the room.