obsequious
Say it: ub-SEE-kwee-us /əbˈsiːkwɪəs/ · adjective
What “obsequious” means
Trying far too hard to please or obey someone.
More precisely: Excessively eager to please or obey.
Example: “The waiter's obsequious praise of every order started to feel like a sales tactic.”
When to use it
When someone's eagerness to please feels excessive or insincere. A critical, formal description of behaviour towards someone with authority.
Similar words
servile, fawning, sycophantic
Where it comes from
From Latin obsequiosus, from obsequium, 'compliance'.
Quick check
An assistant bows repeatedly and rushes to obey every tiny request, even offering to carry an empty bag. They're…
obsequious or courteous?
Show the answer
obsequious
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