Obsequious Meaning in English
word
əbˈsikwiəs
ub-SEE-kwee-uhs
ɒbsˈɛkwɪəs
ob-SEK-wi-uhs
Definition
Too eager to please or obey someone, often in a way that seems insincere or excessive.
Usage & Nuances
Formal or literary word, often negative. Commonly used to criticize someone trying too hard to please those in power or with authority. Similar to 'sycophantic' or 'fawning.' Rarely used in casual speech.
Spanish: servil - aduladorPortuguese (BR): submisso - bajuladorPortuguese (PT): servil - bajuladorChinese (Simplified): 谄媚的 - 阿谀奉承的Chinese (Traditional): 諂媚的 - 阿諛奉承的Hindi: चापलूस - बहुत अधीनArabic: متذلل - متملقBengali: তোষামোদপূর্ণ - চাটুকার - খোশামুদেRussian: угодливый - подобострастныйJapanese: へつらいがちな - ご機嫌取りのVietnamese: khúm núm - nịnh hótKorean: 아부하는 - 비굴한Turkish: yağcı - dalkavukçaUrdu: خوشامد پسند - چاپلوسIndonesian: menjilat - mudah tunduk
Example Sentences
He gave an obsequious smile to his boss.
basic
The waiter's obsequious attention made us uncomfortable.
basic
She always uses an obsequious tone when talking to her teacher.
basic
You don’t have to be so obsequious just to get a promotion.
natural
His obsequious behavior around celebrities is embarrassing.
natural
No one likes an obsequious coworker who's always trying to please the boss.
natural