Definitions
- Referring to excessive or insincere flattery or subservience towards someone in a position of power. - Describing behavior that is overly eager to please or gain favor from someone in authority. - Talking about a servile attitude or behavior that is motivated by self-interest or fear.
- Referring to respectful and courteous behavior towards someone in a position of authority or seniority. - Describing a willingness to yield to the opinions or wishes of others out of respect or courtesy. - Talking about showing consideration or regard for the feelings or preferences of others.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words relate to behavior towards someone in a position of authority or seniority.
- 2Both words involve showing respect or regard for others.
- 3Both words can be used to describe behavior in professional or social settings.
What is the difference?
- 1Attitude: Obsequience implies insincerity or excessive eagerness to please, while deference suggests genuine respect and consideration.
- 2Motivation: Obsequience is often motivated by self-interest or fear, while deference is motivated by respect or courtesy.
- 3Intensity: Obsequience is more extreme and negative than deference, which is a more positive and moderate behavior.
- 4Connotation: Obsequience has a negative connotation, while deference has a positive connotation.
- 5Usage: Obsequience is less commonly used than deference in everyday language.
Remember this!
Obsequience and deference both refer to behavior towards someone in a position of authority or seniority. However, the difference between the two is their attitude and motivation. Obsequience implies insincere flattery or subservience motivated by self-interest or fear, while deference suggests genuine respect and consideration motivated by courtesy or regard for others.
