Learn a Word Daily — Obsequious
Your Word of the Day — Obsequious: definition, nuance, usage & audio.
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Word of the Day · November 29, 2025
Obsequious
ub-SEE-kwee-uhs · adjective
 

Definition

  1. Obedient or attentive to an excessive, servile degree.
  2. Overly eager to please; fawning.
 

Pronunciation

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Origin & Etymology

From Latin obsequiosus “compliant,” ob “toward” + sequi “follow.”
 

Nuance

Negative; suggests ingratiating behavior for favor.
 

Usage

“The obsequious aide laughed at every joke.”
 

Fun Fact

Related to “obsequies” (funeral rites) only by Latin root sequi.
 

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