What does obsequious mean?
Obsequious describes conduct that is excessively deferential or eager to please, especially when it involves flattery or an eager willingness to agree. The word is strongly critical: calling someone obsequious implies that their courtesy or compliance is exaggerated, insincere, or calculated to win favour. It can apply to an individual, a manner, an apology, praise, or service behaviour. In literary contexts, obsequious can describe a servant or courtier whose devotion appears dutiful, though modern speakers usually use it to expose ingratiating behaviour. Its usefulness lies in naming a distinction that polite and respectful do not capture: politeness may be welcome, whereas obsequiousness suggests excess. The word is standard in formal English in both British and American usage and is especially effective when describing someone who bends to please a more powerful person.
adjectiveExcessively deferential, compliant, or eager to please, especially through flattery or servility.
- Excessively eager to please or defer to someone, especially by flattering them or appearing highly compliant.
"His obsequious agreement with every suggestion revealed more about his desire to appease than his own convictions."
"The intern became obsequious, praising every minor decision made by the director."
"Her obsequious apology for occupying the room only made the interruption more conspicuous."
The irony is buried in its root: obsequious comes from Latin for following, but the modern word means flattering someone with almost excessive devotion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obsequious come from?
The word entered English in the early 17th century from Latin obsequiosus, meaning compliant or dutiful, derived from obsequium, meaning service or compliance, which in turn came from obsequi, meaning to follow. English obsequy and obsequies, denoting funeral observances, come through the same Latin root, although their present senses are distinct. More distant relatives include sequence and consequent, which trace to Latin sequi, meaning to follow, the underlying root of obsequi.
Related word forms
How obsequious is actually used
In modern usage, obsequious is usually disapproving and implies that flattering compliance is excessive, insincere, or calculated to gain favour. It is common in formal and literary English in both British and American usage.
Easily confused with obsequious
Obsequious means excessively flattering or deferential, whereas obsequies are funeral rites or observances.