obsequious
/əbˈsiːkwi.əs/
Group 1Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree GRE
Example in Context
The aide's obsequious manner around the executive, agreeing with every statement no matter how contradictory, eroded his credibility among colleagues.
Synonyms
overly eagerfawninggroveling
Etymology
Following excessively, often in a servile manner.
- ob- (Latin) — toward
- sequi (Latin) — to follow
Memory Aid
💎Sounds like “obese sequins”
The OBSEQUIOUS waiter wore OBESEN sequins, following the customer everywhere with flattery!
Visual Association
👥A waiter with a giant bow tie, bowing excessively while balancing a plate of food on his head.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “obsequious” mean on the GRE?
obsequious (adjective) means “Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree”. The aide's obsequious manner around the executive, agreeing with every statement no matter how contradictory, eroded his credibility among colleagues.
How to remember “obsequious” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “obsequious” sounds like “obese sequins”. The OBSEQUIOUS waiter wore OBESEN sequins, following the customer everywhere with flattery!
What are synonyms for “obsequious”?
Common synonyms: overly eager, fawning, groveling.