Definitions
- Describing someone who is overly submissive or obedient to authority. - Referring to behavior that is excessively deferential or subservient. - Talking about a person who is willing to do anything to please others, even if it means compromising their own values or beliefs.
- Describing someone who is excessively eager to please or flatter others. - Referring to behavior that is insincere or exaggerated in order to gain favor or advantage. - Talking about a person who is willing to do anything to gain approval or attention from those in power.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe behavior that is excessively submissive or deferential.
- 2Both words can be used to describe someone who is willing to compromise their own values or beliefs in order to please others.
- 3Both words can have negative connotations when used to describe someone's behavior.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Obsequious implies a more extreme level of subservience or flattery than servile.
- 2Connotation: Servile can be used neutrally or positively to describe someone who is dutiful or loyal, while obsequious always has a negative connotation.
- 3Usage: Servile is more commonly used in formal contexts, while obsequious is more commonly used in informal contexts.
Remember this!
Servile and obsequious are synonyms that describe behavior that is excessively submissive or deferential. However, obsequious implies a more extreme level of subservience or flattery than servile. While servile can be used neutrally or positively to describe someone who is dutiful or loyal, obsequious always has a negative connotation. Servile is more commonly used in formal contexts, while obsequious is more commonly used in informal contexts.
