obsequious

[ uhb-see-kwee-uhs ]
/ əbˈsi kwi əs /

adjective

characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning: an obsequious bow.
servilely compliant or deferential: obsequious servants.
obedient; dutiful.

Origin of obsequious

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin obsequiōsus, equivalent to obsequi(um) compliance ( obsequ(ī) to comply with ( ob- ob- + sequī to follow) + -ium -ium) + -ōsus -ous

SYNONYMS FOR obsequious

1 sycophantic, flattering.
2 cringing, submissive. See servile.

OTHER WORDS FROM obsequious

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH obsequious

obsequies obsequious

Example sentences from the Web for obsequiousness

British Dictionary definitions for obsequiousness

obsequious
/ (əbˈsiːkwɪəs) /

adjective

obedient or attentive in an ingratiating or servile manner
rare submissive or compliant

Derived forms of obsequious

obsequiously, adverb obsequiousness, noun

Word Origin for obsequious

C15: from Latin obsequiōsus compliant, from obsequium compliance, from obsequi to follow, from ob- to + sequi to follow