obsequious
Significado: Excessively eager to please or obey, especially in order to gain favour from someone in a position of power. Servile and fawning.
Obsequious is always pejorative, implying that the deference shown is excessive, insincere, and self-serving. It describes behaviour that goes well beyond politeness into cringing servility. The word is a favourite of British social commentary, where it often describes the behaviour of courtiers, advisers, or subordinates around powerful figures. It collocates with 'manner,' 'behaviour,' 'smile,' and 'tone.' The noun 'obsequiousness' is also current.
Ejemplos
- The obsequious waiter hovered at the table, refilling glasses that were already full. 那个谄媚的服务员在餐桌旁徘徊,不停地往已经满了的杯子里续酒。El obsequioso camarero rondaba la mesa, rellenando copas que ya estaban llenas.おべっか使いのウェイターはテーブルの脇をうろつき、すでに満杯のグラスに注ぎ足していた。아첨하는 웨이터는 테이블 곁을 맴돌며 이미 가득 찬 잔에 계속 따랐다.
- His obsequious manner towards the chairman made his colleagues deeply uncomfortable. 他对董事长阿谀奉承的态度让同事们深感不安。Su trato obsequioso hacia el presidente incomodaba profundamente a sus colegas.会長に対する彼の卑屈な態度は、同僚たちを非常に居心地悪くさせた。회장에 대한 그의 비굴한 태도는 동료들을 몹시 불편하게 만들었다.
- She detested the obsequious tone that colleagues adopted whenever the director entered the room. 她厌恶同事们每当主管走进房间时所表现出的谄媚语气。Detestaba el tono obsequioso que adoptaban los compañeros cada vez que el director entraba en la sala.彼女は、部長が部屋に入るたびに同僚たちが見せるへつらった口調を嫌悪していた。그녀는 부장이 방에 들어올 때마다 동료들이 취하는 아첨하는 말투를 혐오했다.
Pronunciación
Guía de uso
Contexto: literary, professional
Tono: disapproving
Origen e historia
From Latin obsequiosus (compliant, obedient), from obsequium (compliance), from obsequi (to follow, to comply with). Entered English in the late 15th century.
Contexto cultural
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Más de este tema
More from General Advanced
Tarjetas, cuestionarios, audio y repetición espaciada — todo gratis