1
Servile flattery
Praise intended to win favour from someone powerful.
Example
The aide's obsequious compliments embarrassed the minister.
obsequious
/əbˈsiːkwiəs/ · ub-SEE-kwee-uhsadjective
Excessively submissive or eager to please someone powerful.
Use obsequious when deference becomes flattering, servile, or self-interested.
What obsequious Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Excessive obedience
Complying so readily that independence disappears.
Example
Obsequious staff never questioned the director's errors.
3
Self-interested deference
Displaying humility mainly for advantage.
Example
His obsequious manner changed once the patron left.
Use obsequious Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The aide's obsequious compliments embarrassed the minister.
Obsequious staff never questioned the director's errors.
His obsequious manner changed once the patron left.
Precision Matters
Obsequious overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
obsequious
vs.Seeks favour through submission.
benevolent
Offers goodwill from a position of care.
obsequious
vs.Suppresses independent views.
assertive
States views confidently.
obsequious
vs.Concerns deference to power.
scrupulous
Concerns ethical care and precision.
obsequious
vs.Yields too readily to authority.
adamant
Refuses to yield.
Test obsequious in Context
His eagerness to please authority is excessive and servile.
1
The adviser was so ___ that he praised every proposal the governor made and never voiced an independent judgement.