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Obsequiousness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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obsequiousness

[əbˈsiːkwiəsnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in social interactions

Obsequiousness refers to the quality of being excessively obedient or attentive to someone, often to the point of being insincere or overbearing. It is characterized by a servile or fawning demeanor towards a superior or authority figure.

Synonyms

fawning, servility, subservience, sycophancy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
obsequiousness

Used when describing behavior that is excessively eager to please or obey someone who is powerful, often in a way that seems insincere or overly submissive.

  • His obsequiousness towards his boss was noticeable, as he always agreed with everything she said
servility

Refers to a submissive attitude or behavior that implies a lack of self-respect, often in contexts where one person is overly eager to serve or obey another.

  • Her servility made her the target of jokes among her colleagues, who felt she had no backbone
subservience

Describes behavior where a person is overly willing to obey others, often at the expense of their own desires or needs; typically used in a negative light.

  • His subservience to his employer was evident, as he never questioned even the most unreasonable demands
fawning

Generally used to describe behavior that demonstrates exaggerated affection or admiration, often in a way that seems insincere or self-serving.

  • The actors were fawning all over the famous director, hoping to get a role in his next film
sycophancy

Used to describe behavior that is excessively flattering toward someone, usually to gain some advantage; it carries a strong negative connotation of insincerity.

  • Her sycophancy was transparent; everyone knew she was only complimenting the boss to get a promotion

Examples of usage

  • He displayed obsequiousness towards his boss in the hope of getting a promotion.
  • The obsequiousness of the waiter made the customers uncomfortable.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • This behavior can be linked to low self-esteem, where individuals seek approval through pleasing others.
  • Cognitive dissonance plays a role, as people may feel uncomfortable if their actions don't align with their true feelings about submission.

Literature

  • In many classic novels, characters displaying this quality are often portrayed as sycophants or flatterers, adding tension to social dynamics.
  • Shakespeare frequently discussed the theme of sycophancy, showcasing characters who use flattery to manipulate others.

Pop Culture

  • In various films and TV shows, the obsequious character often serves as comic relief, highlighting their exaggerated eagerness to please.
  • Modern political satire often depicts certain personalities as obsequious to gain support, reflecting societal attitudes towards authority.

Social Dynamics

  • This behavior can create power imbalances, where the obsequious individual becomes overly dependent on the approval of a dominant person.
  • Studies in social psychology show that such behavior can sometimes lead to resentment, both from the person being catered to and from others who witness it.

Origin of 'obsequiousness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'obsequiosus,' meaning 'compliant' or 'obedient'.
  • It has been part of the English language since the late 16th century, and originally referred to servile behavior.

The word 'obsequiousness' has its origin in the Latin word 'obsequiosus,' which means compliant or obedient. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Throughout history, obsequious behavior has been observed in various social contexts, where individuals seek to gain favor or advantage by ingratiating themselves with those in positions of power or authority.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,198, 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.