According to the origin of the word, an obsequious person is more likely to be a follower than a leader. The word comes from Latin sequi, meaning "to follow"; the prefix ob- means "toward."

OBSEQUIOUS definition: characterized by or showing servile obedience and excessive eagerness to please; fawning; ingratiating. See examples of obsequious used in a sentence.

OBSEQUIOUS definition: 1. too eager to praise or obey someone: 2. too eager to praise or obey someone: 3. too eager to…. Learn more.

Definition of obsequious adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

If you describe someone as obsequious, you are criticizing them because they are too eager to help or agree with someone more important than them.

Dec 14, 2025 · obsequious (comparative more obsequious, superlative most obsequious) Excessively eager and attentive to please or to obey instructions; fawning, subservient, servile.

There are four meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective obsequious, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Obsequious people are usually not being genuine; they resort to flattery and other fawning ways to stay in the good graces of authority figures. An obsequious person can be called a …

Definition of obsequious. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.

Full of or exhibiting servile compliance; fawning. [Middle English, from Latin obsequi ō sus, from obsequium, compliance, from obsequ ī, to comply : ob-, to; see OB- + sequ ī, to follow; see …