Definition of Obsequious:
Obsequious (adjective): Excessively eager to please or obey; overly submissive.
Synonyms: servile, sycophantic, fawning, subservient
Antonyms: assertive, independent, confident, self-assured
Memory Tip: Think of “obsequious” as someone who is so eager to please that they bend over backward, often to the point of losing their self-respect.
Conversation and Short Story Examples
Here is how “obsequious” can be used in a casual conversation:
- Emily: Did you notice how he kept agreeing with everything the boss said?
Tom: Yeah, he was being way too obsequious; it was kind of embarrassing.
Let’s see how “obsequious” can be used in a narrative context:
- Henry was known for his obsequious nature, always quick to flatter his superiors and eager to fulfill even the smallest of their requests. His coworkers often rolled their eyes at his behavior, wondering how he could so easily compromise his dignity just to gain favor. But Henry didn’t care; to him, being obsequious was simply a strategy to climb the corporate ladder, no matter how much self-respect he had to sacrifice along the way.
Everyday Conversations
Here are examples of how to use “obsequious” in a sentence during everyday conversations. Each sentence using “obsequious” shows how it might naturally come up in casual dialogue:
- His obsequious behavior towards the professor made everyone uncomfortable.
- She was so obsequious that she agreed with every suggestion, even the ridiculous ones.
- The waiter’s obsequious attitude was meant to impress but ended up being annoying.
Business and Professional Settings
Here are sentences using “obsequious” in a professional setting. These examples of “obsequious” in a sentence demonstrate how it can be applied in business and work environments:
- The employee’s obsequious behavior towards the management was noticed by everyone, and not in a good way.
- His obsequious tendencies made him seem less trustworthy among his colleagues.
Educational and Academic Examples
These sentences show how “obsequious” can be used in academic settings. Each sentence with “obsequious” emphasizes its relevance in educational and scholarly contexts:
- The student’s obsequious behavior towards the teacher was seen as an attempt to get better grades.
- In his essay, he criticized the obsequious attitude of certain historical figures towards those in power.
Social and Cultural Contexts
Here are examples of “obsequious” in a sentence within social and cultural contexts. Each sentence for “obsequious” highlights its application in discussions about society and culture:
- The politician’s obsequious manner towards wealthy donors raised concerns about his integrity.
- The character in the play was portrayed as obsequious, always bowing and scraping to those in higher positions.
Part of Speech
Explore how “obsequious” is used in different parts of speech:
- Adjective: His obsequious mannerisms were off-putting to everyone at the meeting.
- Adverb (Obsequiously): She obsequiously agreed to every demand, hoping to gain favor.
Tenses
Examples of “obsequious” used in different tenses:
- Past Tense: She was obsequious in her efforts to please the committee, hoping to secure a promotion.
- Present Tense: He is obsequious towards his boss, always complimenting her ideas no matter how unrealistic they are.
- Future Tense: If you keep being obsequious, people will start to question your sincerity.
Moods
How “obsequious” is used in different moods:
- Imperative Mood: Stop being so obsequious and start standing up for yourself!
- Interrogative Mood: Why are you acting so obsequious around him?
- Exclamatory Mood: What an obsequious display of flattery that was!
Voices
How “obsequious” is used in different voices:
- Active Voice: The intern behaved obsequiously in hopes of securing a full-time position.
- Passive Voice: His obsequious behavior was noticed by everyone in the office.
Literary Devices
How “obsequious” can be used in various literary devices:
- Metaphor: His obsequious manner was like a shadow, always following the powerful and seeking to stay in their good graces.
- Simile: She was as obsequious as a servant, bending to every whim of her superior.
- Personification: Obsequiousness knelt at the feet of power, eager to serve without question.
- Alliteration: The obsequious officer offered his assistance, hoping to earn favor.
Leave a Reply