obsequious

IPA/əbˈsiːkwiəs/
KK[əbsˈikwiəs]IPA/əbˈsiːkwiəs/

obsequious — 形容詞

  • obsequiouspositive
  • more obsequiouscomparative
  • most obsequioussuperlative

1. so polite and admiring toward someone that it seems false, usually because you w

1.形容詞C2
釋義

逢迎；巴結

對權貴過度討好奉承的

so polite and admiring toward someone that it seems false, usually because you want something from them like their approval, a promotion, or special treatment.

例句

The junior manager's obsequious bow to the director embarrassed everyone who saw it.

那位初階主管對總監逢迎的鞠躬，讓在場所有人都感到尷尬。

collocation: obsequious bow (gesture of excessive respect)

Jabari cringed at his own obsequious tone when he spoke to the company's head.

Jabari 對自己跟公司負責人說話時那種諂媚的語氣感到很不自在。

collocation: obsequious tone (way of speaking)

同義詞
  • sycophantic

    more literary and even stronger in disapproval; describes someone who flatters powerful people for personal gain

  • fawning

    more vivid and body-language-focused; suggests exaggerated admiration shown through looks and gestures

  • servile

    emphasizes lack of dignity and willingness to do anything, like a servant; less about flattery and more about submission

  • ingratiating

    slightly milder; describes behavior intended to win favor, not always with the same degree of disapproval

反義詞
  • assertive

    confident and direct without being rude; the opposite of excessively deferential

  • dignified

    calm and serious, with self-respect; contrasts with the self-lowering quality of obsequiousness

  • respectful

    shows genuine regard without going too far; positive version of deference

文法句型

obsequious + noun (behavior, smile, bow, tone, praise)

be obsequious to/toward someone

用法筆記

Strongly disapproving — never neutral. Frequently describes gestures (bow, smile, nod), speech (tone, praise, compliments), or general conduct (behavior, manner, attitude) toward a person in authority.

常見錯誤

❌The waiter was obsequious and brought our food quickly.
✅The waiter was efficient and brought our food quickly.
💡obsequious is always negative and implies insincere flattery, not simply good service.
❌She was obsequious to her grandmother.
✅She was respectful to her grandmother.
💡obsequious suggests fake admiration for personal gain, not genuine respect for a family member.