Word: obsequious (adjective)

Associations

The word "obsequious" describes someone who is overly eager to please or obey others, often in a way that seems insincere or excessive.

• Example 1: "The obsequious waiter kept refilling our glasses even when we didn't ask." Here, the waiter is very eager to please.
• Example 2: "She gave an obsequious smile to the boss, hoping for a promotion." This shows someone acting very flattering to gain favor.
• Example 3: "His obsequious behavior annoyed his friends because it felt fake." This means the behavior was too much and not natural.

A close synonym is "servile," but "servile" often has a stronger negative meaning, implying a lack of self-respect, while "obsequious" focuses more on excessive eagerness to please.

Substitution

Instead of "obsequious," you could say:

• "fawning" (more about showing excessive affection or flattery)
• "submissive" (more about giving in or yielding)
• "sycophantic" (very similar, but often used in a negative political or social context) Each word changes the tone slightly, so choose based on how you want to describe the behavior.

Deconstruction

"Obsequious" comes from Latin "obsequiosus," from "obsequium" meaning compliance or dutiful service.

• Prefix "ob-" means "toward" or "against."
• Root "sequ-" comes from "sequi," meaning "to follow."
• Suffix "-ious" means "full of" or "having the quality of." So, "obsequious" literally means "full of following" or "eager to follow," which fits the meaning of someone who follows or obeys too much.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a situation where being obsequious might be helpful? When might it be harmful?
• Have you ever met someone who acted obsequiously? How did it make you feel?
• How is obsequious behavior different from just being polite or respectful?