obsequious
pronunciation
How to pronounce obsequious in British English:
UK [əbˈsi:kwiəs]
How to pronounce obsequious in American English:
US [ɑbˈsikwiəs, əb-]
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- Adjective:
- attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
- attentive in an ingratiating or servile manner
Word Origin
- obsequious
- obsequious: see sequence
- obsequious (adj.)
- late 15c., "prompt to serve," from Middle French obséquieux (15c.), from Latin obsequiosus "compliant, obedient," from obsequium "compliance, dutiful service," from obsequi "to accommodate oneself to the will of another," from ob "after" (see ob-) + sequi "to follow" (see sequel). Pejorative sense of "fawning, sycophantic" had emerged by 1590s. Related: Obsequiously; obsequiousness (mid-15c.).
Example
- 1. Chandler 's weasel face screwed into an obsequious smile .
- 2. He looked at the two ladies with an obsequious air .
- 3. Flattering in an insincere way ; obsequious .
- 4. Frugal : penurious = compliant : obsequious .
- 5. He is an obsequious shop owner .