Word of the day: Obsequious

Obsequious meaning: Have you ever noticed that one person in a meeting who agrees with everything the boss says, even the bad ideas? Or perhaps you've seen a character in a political drama who fawns over a leader with almost painful intensity. While we might call them a yes-man or a teacher’s pet, the more sophisticated term you are looking for is obsequious. As election cycles heat up globally and corporate hierarchies are scrutinized, this word for the day is appearing more frequently in editorials and personality assessments.

Obsequious - Meaning and Definition

Obsequious refers to someone who is excessively eager to please or obey, often in a way that feels insincere or fawning. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it describes behavior that is "obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree."

Obsequious - Origin History

The etymology of obsequious is a fascinating study of how words can "sour" over time. It originates from the Latin obsequiosus, which itself comes from obsequium, meaning "compliance" or "dutiful service."

Interestingly, in the 15th century, the word was actually a compliment! To be obsequious meant you were "prompt to serve" or "dutiful." However, by the late 16th century, the meaning shifted. As people grew weary of the sycophants in royal courts, the word took on a pejorative (negative) tone, eventually describing the "brown-nosing" behavior we associate with it today.

Usage of Obsequious

Here are some of the many examples of obsequious, within a sentence, you can go through to improve your understanding of this word of the day: 

1. Corporate Context: The CEO was surrounded by obsequious assistants who never dared to challenge his controversial decisions.

2. Literary Context: In Dickensian novels, you often find obsequious characters who use flattery to hide their true, often devious, intentions.

3. Social Context: While politeness is a virtue, his obsequious habit of bowing to every guest felt forced and uncomfortable.

Obsequious - Synonyms and Antonyms 

To truly master this word, it helps to know its friends and its enemies in the dictionary.

Did You Know?

The word obsequious shares the same Latin root, sequi (to follow), as the word sequel. While a sequel follows a movie or book, an obsequious person follows the whims and orders of a superior with a little too much enthusiasm!

More Words for the Day

By learning the subtleties of 'obsequious', you can better understand how people interact with each other and write about complicated personalities. Use it today when you're talking about a character in a show or a news story.