obsequious
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “obsequious” mean?
adjective.obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in contexts related to social dynamics, flattery, or power structures, particularly in discussions of sycophantic behavior. It emphasizes an excessive eagerness to please or ingratiate oneself, suggesting a lack of authenticity or self-respect, which contrasts with words like "submissive" that may not carry the same connotation of insincerity or servility.
Common Confusions
Obsequious implies excessive eagerness to please or ingratiate oneself, while submissive usually suggests a more neutral or passive acceptance of authority without the same level of insincerity or flattery.
Example Sentences
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The obsequious assistant agreed with everything the boss suggested.
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Her obsequious approach to the project ensured its success.
Word Parts: How to Remember “obsequious”
Break “obsequious” into its parts: ob- (against, toward) + -sequ- (follow). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ob-against, toward (Latin) -
Root:
-sequ-follow (Latin)