Obsequiously: meaning, definitions and examples

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obsequiously

 

[ əb'siːkwɪəsli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

behaving excessively

Obsequiously means behaving in an excessively deferential or servile manner. It describes actions that are overly eager to please or ingratiate oneself with someone in authority.

Synonyms

fawningly, subserviently, sycophantically.

Examples of usage

  • He smiled obsequiously at his boss, hoping for a promotion.
  • The obsequious waiter anticipated every need of the guests.
  • She nodded obsequiously, trying to gain favor with the influential group.

Translations

Translations of the word "obsequiously" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obedientemente

🇮🇳 नम्रता से

🇩🇪 unterwürfig

🇮🇩 tunduk

🇺🇦 покірливо

🇵🇱 uległe

🇯🇵 従順に

🇫🇷 obéissant

🇪🇸 obsequioso

🇹🇷 itaatkarca

🇰🇷 아첨하며

🇸🇦 خاضعًا

🇨🇿 podřízeně

🇸🇰 podriadený

🇨🇳 顺从地

🇸🇮 pokorno

🇮🇸 hlýðinn

🇰🇿 құлақ асатын

🇬🇪 მორჩილებით

🇦🇿 itaətkarcasına

🇲🇽 obsequioso

Etymology

The word 'obsequiously' originates from the Latin term 'obsequiosus', which means 'compliant' or 'pliant', coupled with the root 'obsequi', meaning 'to comply' or 'to follow'. This Latin root is derived from 'ob-' (indicating 'toward') and 'sequi' (to follow). The term evolved in Middle English as 'obsequiose' (also originally meaning compliance or servility), before transitioning into its modern form in the 17th century. Over time, 'obsequious' has developed a negative connotation, implying an excessive eagerness to please that borders on flattery or insincerity. The adverbial form 'obsequiously' reflects this behavior, embodying an attitude that is not just compliant but excessively so, often hinting at a lack of authenticity in one's actions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,475, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.