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Definition of obsequious

obsequious

/əbˈsiː.kwi.əs/
ob · se · qui · ous
Adverb:obsequiously
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obsequious Lexical Profile

obsequious Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree, especially in order to gain favor or advantage.

Example

"The store manager remained dignified, ignoring the obsequious flattery of the ambitious new assistant."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for obsequious

• Nearby Words

obscurely
obscureness
obscurity
obsequious
obsequiously
observable
observably

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Latin obsequiosus ('compliant, dutiful'), derived from obsequi ('to follow or comply with'), from ob- ('toward, after') and sequi ('to follow'). While originally used in a positive sense of dutiful compliance, it gradually acquired a strongly negative connotation of servile flattery.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Obsequious. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/obsequious
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