Question

The waiter's obsequious behavior annoyed the patrons at the expensive restaurant.

What is the meaning of the word 'obsequious'?
1) servile
2) fawning
3) domineering
4) haughty

Answer 1

The word 'obsequious' means excessively obedient or submissive, often to an annoying degree. Option 1 is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The word 'obsequious' means excessively obedient or submissive, often to an annoying degree. It is used to describe someone who is overly attentive and eager to please, typically in a servile manner.

For example, in the given context, the waiter's obsequious behavior means that the waiter was excessively subservient and constantly seeking to fulfill the patrons' every need, which annoyed them.

The synonyms for 'obsequious' include servile and fawning, while the words 'domineering' and 'haughty' have opposite meanings and are not related to obsequiousness.